CIRCUMFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The term "circumflex" can be defined as a diacritical mark (ˆ) used in several languages to modify vowel sounds. It is a curved line placed above a vowel, typically denoting a change in pronunciation or stress. The circumflex accent originated from the Latin language and was commonly used to indicate the presence of a lost letter 's' in the word. Today, it modifies the pronunciation of a vowel in different contexts.
In French, the circumflex accent generally indicates the former presence of the letter 's.' For example, the word "hôpital" (hospital) would have been spelled as "hospital" in Old French, with an 's' in it. The circumflex accent also differentiates homophone words that have different meanings and pronunciations. An example of this is "du" (from the) and "dû" (due), where the circumflex indicates a change in stress and pronunciation.
In some languages such as Greek and Portuguese, the circumflex accent also signifies a change in pronunciation or stress. In Greek, it can denote the emphasis of a certain syllable, while in Portuguese, it usually falls on the vowels 'â' and 'ê' to indicate open and closed pronunciation, respectively.
In summary, the circumflex is a diacritical mark used in various languages to modify the sound and stress of vowels. It serves as a crucial element in differentiating homophonic words and indicating phonetic changes in pronunciation.
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Bent around, bowed, describing an arc of a circle, noting several anatomical structures-arteries, veins, nerves, and muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A mark or character over a vowel or syllable, combining the rising and falling accent; in anat., applied to certain vessels and nerves from their course.
• To mark or pronounce with the circumflex.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CIRCUMFLEX
Etymology of CIRCUMFLEX
The word "circumflex" has its origins in Latin. It is derived from two Latin words: "circum", meaning "around" or "surrounding", and "flectere", meaning "to bend" or "to curve". Thus, the term "circumflex" literally translates to "bending around" or "curving around". The word was then adopted into English, specifically in the field of linguistics, to refer to the diacritical mark (^) placed above certain vowels in some languages, which usually indicates a change in pronunciation or stress.
Similar spelling words for CIRCUMFLEX
- circumfuse,
- circumference,
- circumvent,
- circumvallate,
- circumscribe,
- circumstance,
- circumvolute,
- circumcise,
- cirrocumulus,
- circumboreal,
- circumvolve.
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