tmesis

noun

tme·​sis (tə-)ˈmē-səs How to pronounce tmesis (audio)
: separation of parts of a compound word by the intervention of one or more words (such as what place soever for whatsoever place)

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek tmēsis act of cutting, from temnein to cut — more at tome

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tmesis was in 1550

Dictionary Entries Near tmesis

Tmesipteris

tmesis

TMG

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tmesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tmesis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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