diphthong

Definition

A complex vowel sound that begins with the sound of one vowel and ends with the sound of another vowel, in the same syllable.

Etymology

PIE word *dwóh₁ From French diphtongue, from Late Latin diphthongus, from Ancient Greek δίφθογγος (díphthongos, “two sounds”), from δίς (dís, “twice”) + φθόγγος (phthóngos, “sound”).

Example Sentences

• "In Lang Belta vowels usually appear preceding or following a consonant (see previous examples), and as of now no occurrence of diphthongs or triphthongs has been attested."
• "And he might have written the name, also, with the diphthong æ, as well as the single vowel, in the initial syllable, throughout all the preceding forms."
• "An improper diphthong has only one of the vowels sounded; as, ea in heat, oa in coal."

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