NONSYLLABIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does nonsyllabic mean? 

• NONSYLLABIC (adjective)
  The adjective NONSYLLABIC has 2 senses:

1. not forming a syllable or the nucleus of a syllable; consisting of a consonant sound accompanied in the same syllable by a vowel sound or consisting of a vowel sound dominated by other vowel sounds in a syllable (as the second vowel in a falling diphthong)

2. (of speech sounds) not forming or capable of forming the nucleus of a syllable

  Familiarity information: NONSYLLABIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NONSYLLABIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not forming a syllable or the nucleus of a syllable; consisting of a consonant sound accompanied in the same syllable by a vowel sound or consisting of a vowel sound dominated by other vowel sounds in a syllable (as the second vowel in a falling diphthong)

Synonyms:

nonsyllabic; unsyllabic

Context example:

the nonsyllabic 'i' in 'oi'

Similar:

unsyllabled (not articulated in syllables)

Antonym:

syllabic (consisting of a syllable or syllables)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of speech sounds) not forming or capable of forming the nucleus of a syllable

Context example:

initial 'l' in 'little' is nonsyllabic

Antonym:

syllabic ((of speech sounds) forming the nucleus of a syllable)