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triphthong

Definition of triphthong

noun

  • a union of three vowels (letters or sounds) pronounced in one syllable (as in fire). Contrasted with diphthong, monophthong.
  • three written vowel characters representing the sound of a single vowel (as in beau).

Derivatives

triphthongal

Pronunciation: /-ˈθɒŋg(ə)l/
adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French triphtongue, from tri- 'three', on the pattern of diphthong

triphthong in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of triphthong in the US English dictionary
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