rough breathing

noun

1. the symbol (ʿ) used in the writing of Greek to indicate aspiration of the initial vowel or of the ρ (rho) over which it is placed.

2. the aspirated sound indicated by this mark.

rough breathing

noun

1. (in Greek) the sign ( ) placed over an initial letter, or a second letter if the word begins with a diphthong, indicating that (in ancient Greek) it was pronounced with an h Compare smooth breathing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough breathing¹

1740–50; translation of Latin spiritus asper