synalepha

(sĭnˌə-lēˈfə)

also syn·a·loe·pha

noun
The blending into one syllable of two successive vowels of adjacent syllables, especially to fit a poetic meter; for example, th' elite for the elite.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin

Origin: , from Greek sunaloiphē

Origin: , from sunaleiphein, to coalesce, unite two syllables

Origin: : sun-, syn-

Origin: + aleiphein, to smear; see leip- in Indo-European roots

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