Disyllabic

/dɪsɪˈlæbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having two syllables; composed of two syllables.

Etymology

From Late Latin disyllabus, from Greek dis- (two) + syllabe (syllable, from syn- 'together' + labe 'taking'). The prefix dis- here means 'two,' not negation.

Kelly Says

Linguists love this word because it describes the rhythm of language precisely—'water,' 'table,' and 'happy' are all disyllabic words that form the backbone of English speech. The prefix 'dis-' meaning 'two' is completely different from the negating 'dis-' in other words!

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