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hyphen definition

hy·phen (hī′fən)

noun

a mark (-) used between the parts of a compound word or the syllables of a divided word, as at the end of a line

Etymology: LL < Gr hyphen (for hyph' hen), a hyphen, lit., under one, together, in one < hypo-, under + hen, neut. acc. of heis, one: for IE base see same

transitive verb

hyphenate

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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