Definition

The process where a liquid separates from a gel, or where two vowels combine into one syllable in speech.

Example

In linguistics, syneresis occurs when two vowels in a word are pronounced together as one syllable.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of syneresis?

I think so, but I’m not sure what it means.

It refers to the liquid that separates from a gel, like when yogurt gets watery.

Oh, that makes sense! I always thought it was just a sign of bad yogurt.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Syneresis → It is formed from "syn-" (meaning together) and "eresis" (from Greek "airesis", meaning to take or to choose). The word describes the act of taking or choosing together, often referring to the contraction of syllables in poetry or the merging of sounds in linguistics.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('syn-') and 'taking' ('eresis') to remember that syneresis involves the merging or contraction of sounds.

Visually Confused Words