rough breathing

noun

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.
the aspirated sound indicated by this mark.

Compare smooth breathing.

Origin of rough breathing

1740–50; translation of Latin spiritus asper

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for rough breathing

Historical Examples of rough breathing

All other rough-breathing marks have been added by the transcriber.
An Essay on the Lyric Poetry of the Ancients
John Ogilvie
Greek accents are often unclear and (apart from rough-breathing marks) have been omitted.
A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-Government and Ministry
Ministers and Elders of the London Provinciall Assembly

British Dictionary definitions for rough breathing

rough breathing

noun

(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 hCompare smooth breathing

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012