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Dictionary Language resources

crasis

Pronunciation: /ˈkreɪsɪs/

Definition of crasis

noun (plural crases /-siːz/)

Phonetics

a contraction of two adjacent vowels into one long vowel or diphthong, for example the reduction of words in ancient Greek from three syllables to two.

Origin:

mid 16th century (as a medical term denoting the blending of physical qualities giving rise to a particular state of health): from Greek krasis 'mixture'