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clitic

(klĭtˈĭk)

noun
An unstressed word, typically a function word, that is incapable of standing on its own and attaches in pronunciation to a stressed word, with which it forms a single accentual unit. Examples of clitics are the pronoun ’em in I see ’em and the definite article in French l'arme, “the arm.”
adjective
Of or relating to a clitic or clisis.

Related Forms:

  • clitˈi·cize (-sĭzˌ) verb
  • clitˌi·ci·zaˈtion (-sĭ-zāˈshən) noun

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