toneme

noun

to·​neme ˈtō-ˌnēm How to pronounce toneme (audio)
: an intonation phoneme in a tone language
tonemic adjective

Word History

Etymology

tone entry 1 + -eme

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toneme was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near toneme

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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