phonotactics

noun

pho·​no·​tac·​tics ˌfō-nə-ˈtak-tiks How to pronounce phonotactics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: the area of phonology concerned with the analysis and description of the permitted sound sequences of a language
phonotactic
ˌfō-nə-ˈtak-tik How to pronounce phonotactics (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

phonotactic (from phono- + -tactic) + -ics

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phonotactics was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near phonotactics

phonoscope

phonotactics

phonotelemeter

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Phonotactics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phonotactics. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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