polyptoton

noun

pol·​yp·​to·​ton
ˌpälə̇pˈtōˌtän
plural polyptota
-ōtə
: the rhetorical repetition of a word in a different case, inflection, or voice in the same sentence (as in Tennyson's "my own heart's heart, and ownest own, farewell")

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek polyptōton, neuter of polyptōtos using many cases of the same word, from poly- + -ptōtos (from piptein to fall, influenced in meaning by Greek ptōsis case)

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Dictionary Entries Near polyptoton

Cite this Entry

“Polyptoton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyptoton. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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