phonotactics

[foh-nuh-tak-tiks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the patterns in which the phonemes of a language may combine to form sequences.

2. the study and description of such patterns.

phonotactics

/ ˈfəʊnəʊˌtæktɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) linguistics the study of the possible arrangement of the sounds of a language in the words of that language

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonotactics¹

First recorded in 1955–60; phonotactic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonotactics¹

C20: from _phono- + -tactics, on the model of syntactic; see _syntax