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 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

Cite this Entry

“Phonotactics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phonotactics. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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