trigraph

[trahy-graf, -grahf]

noun

1. a group of three letters representing a single speech sound, as eau in beau.

trigraph

/ ˈtraɪˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf, traɪˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. a combination of three letters used to represent a single speech sound or phoneme, such as eau in French beau

Other Word Forms

• trigraphic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigraph¹

First recorded in 1830–40; tri- + -graph

Example Sentences

It can be dry and tedious stuff, replete with obscure jargon like “digraph” and “trigraph.”

From Seattle Times

Trigraph, trī′graf, n. a combination of three letters sounded as one, a triphthong.

From Project Gutenberg

A vowel trigraph in which all three of the vowels are sounded.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated word: trilingual. three-leaved, a. trifoliate, trifoliated. three-legged stand. trivet, tripod. three letters. triphthong, trigraph. three months. trimester.

From Project Gutenberg