syllepsis

/sɪˈlɛp.sɪs/

SꞮLƐP · sɪs (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A figure of speech in which one word simultaneously modifies two or more other words such that the modification must be understood differently with respect to each modified word; often causing humorous incongruity.

Etymology

From Latin syllepsis, from Ancient Greek σύλληψις (súllēpsis), from συλλαμβάνω (sullambánō).