monophthong

noun

mon·​oph·​thong ˈmä-nə(f)-ˌthȯŋ How to pronounce monophthong (audio)
: a vowel sound that throughout its duration has a single constant articulatory position
monophthongal
ˌmä-nə(f)-ˈthȯŋ-(g)əl How to pronounce monophthong (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek monophthongos single vowel, from Greek mon- + phthongos sound

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monophthong was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near monophthong

monophthalmic

monophthong

monophthongize

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on monophthong

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monophthong

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