needleandthread
The compound noun 'needle-and-thread' is divided into four syllables: nee-dle-and-thread. Stress falls on the first syllable ('nee'). The syllabic /l/ in 'needle' is a key phonetic feature. The word is formed by coordinating two nouns with the conjunction 'and'.
Definitions
- 1
A set consisting of a needle and thread, used for sewing.
“She kept a needle-and-thread in her handbag for emergencies.”
“He quickly mended the tear with a needle-and-thread.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable ('nee') of 'needle'. 'and' and 'thread' are unstressed.
Syllables
nee — Open syllable, stressed.. dle — Closed syllable, contains syllabic /l/.. and — Open syllable, unstressed.. thread — Open syllable, unstressed.
Vowel-Consonant
Syllables are often divided after a vowel sound.
Consonant Cluster Division
When a consonant cluster separates vowels, the cluster is typically divided.
Syllabic Consonant
/l/ can form a syllable nucleus after a vowel and before a consonant.
- The syllabic /l/ in 'needle' is a noteworthy feature common in British English.
Nearby Words
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