asyndeton

noun

asyn·​de·​ton ə-ˈsin-də-ˌtän How to pronounce asyndeton (audio)
(ˌ)ā-ˈsin-
plural asyndetons or asyndeta ə-ˈsin-də-tə How to pronounce asyndeton (audio)
(ˌ)ā-ˈsin-
: omission of the conjunctions that ordinarily join coordinate words or clauses (as in "I came, I saw, I conquered")

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from neuter of asyndetos unconnected, from a- + syndetos bound together, from syndein to bind together, from syn- + dein to bind — more at diadem

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asyndeton was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near asyndeton

Cite this Entry

“Asyndeton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asyndeton. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on asyndeton

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!