syneresis Hear it!

syneresis definition

syn·er·esis (si ner′ə sis)

noun pl. synereses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

  1. the drawing together of two consecutive vowels or syllables into one syllable, esp. so as to form a diphthong
  2. synizesis
  3. Chem. contraction of a gel so that liquid is exuded at the surface, as in the separation of serum from a blood clot

Etymology: ModL < Gr synairesis, a taking or drawing together < syn-, together + hairein, to take

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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