phonotactics
[ foh-nuh-tak-tiks ]
/ ˌfoʊ nəˈtæk tɪks /
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noun (used with a singular verb)Linguistics.
the patterns in which the phonemes of a language may combine to form sequences.
the study and description of such patterns.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of phonotactics
First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at phonotactic, -ics
Words nearby phonotactics
phonoreception, phonoreceptor, phonorenogram, phonoscope, phonotactic, phonotactics, phonotype, phonotypy, phony, phony-baloney, phony disease
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for phonotactics
phonotactics
/ (ˈfəʊnəʊˌtæktɪks) /
noun
(functioning as singular) linguistics the study of the possible arrangement of the sounds of a language in the words of that language
Word Origin for phonotactics
C20: from phono- + -tactics, on the model of syntactic; see syntax
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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