Definition

A term used in biology and linguistics to describe the merging of two adjacent vowels into a single syllable or the contraction of chromatin during a specific phase of cell division.

Example

In linguistics, synizesis occurs when two vowels are pronounced together as one syllable, such as in the word 'poet'.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term synizesis?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's when two adjacent vowels merge into one syllable in pronunciation.

That sounds interesting! I wonder where else we might notice synizesis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Synizesis → It is formed from "syn-" (meaning together) and "hizein" (from Greek, meaning to join or to unite). The term refers to the phenomenon of two syllables merging into one, thus coming together in pronunciation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('syn-') and 'joining' ('hizein') to remember that synizesis means the merging of syllables.

Visually Confused Words