Commata

/kəˈmɑːtə/ noun

Definition

Plural of comma; small segments, divisions, or pauses in speech or writing, or in prosody.

Etymology

From Greek 'komma' (literally 'something cut off' or 'a piece cut from'), through Latin into English. Originally referred to a short phrase or clause, then the punctuation mark.

Kelly Says

The word 'comma' literally means 'cut' in Greek—ancient writers saw punctuation as cutting up the continuous flow of language into digestible pieces for readers and speakers.

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