triphthong

noun

triph·​thong ˈtrif-ˌthȯŋ How to pronounce triphthong (audio)
ˈtrip-
1
: a phonological unit consisting of three successive vocalic sounds in one syllable
2
: trigraph
triphthongal
trif-ˈthȯŋ-gəl How to pronounce triphthong (audio)
trip-
-əl
adjective

Word History

Etymology

tri- + -phthong (as in diphthong)

First Known Use

circa 1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of triphthong was circa 1599

Dictionary Entries Near triphthong

triphosphoric acid

triphthong

triphylite

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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