rough breathing
- 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.
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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 AncientsJohn Ogilvie
Greek accents are often unclear and (apart from rough-breathing marks) have been omitted.
A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-Government and MinistryMinisters and Elders of the London Provinciall Assembly
rough breathing
- (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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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