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Hyphenation ofchlorofluoromethane

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

chlo-ro-flu-o-ro-meth-ane

Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)

/ˌklɔːroʊˈfluːəroʊˌmeɪθeɪn/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

0001001

Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable (/ˈfluːəroʊ/). The stress pattern is typical for words with multiple prefixes and a longer root.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound

chlo/klɔː/

Open syllable, onset cluster

ro/roʊ/

Open syllable

flu/fluː/

Open syllable, onset cluster

o/oʊ/

Open syllable

ro/roʊ/

Open syllable

meth/meɪθ/

Open syllable

ane/eɪn/

Open syllable

Morphemic Breakdown

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)

chloro-(prefix)
+
methane(root)
+
(suffix)

Prefix: chloro-

From Greek *khlōros* meaning 'greenish', indicating chlorine presence.

Root: methane

From French *méthane*, ultimately from Greek *methos* + *hainein*, referring to a hydrocarbon.

Suffix:

Meanings & Definitions
noun(grammatical role in sentences)

A colorless, non-flammable gas formerly used as a refrigerant and aerosol propellant.

Examples:

"The use of chlorofluoromethane was banned under the Montreal Protocol."

Synonyms: CFC-14
Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

chlorobenzenechlo-ro-ben-zene

Shares the 'chloro-' prefix and follows similar onset maximization rules.

fluorocarbonflu-o-ro-car-bon

Shares the 'fluoro-' prefix and follows similar onset maximization rules.

methamphetaminemeth-am-phe-ta-mine

Shares the 'meth-' root and demonstrates consistent syllable division patterns.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Maximizing Onsets

Consonant clusters are assigned to the following vowel to create permissible onsets.

Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV) Division

Syllables are typically divided between vowels when a vowel is followed by a consonant and then another vowel.

Special Considerations

Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure

Multiple consonant clusters require careful application of onset maximization.

The word's length and complexity necessitate a detailed analysis.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

Chlorofluoromethane is divided into seven syllables (chlo-ro-flu-o-ro-meth-ane) based on maximizing onsets and VCV division. It consists of the prefixes 'chloro-' and 'fluoro-' attached to the root 'methane'. Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable. It's a noun representing a chemical compound.

Detailed Analysis:

Analysis of "chlorofluoromethane"

1. Pronunciation: The word is pronounced /ˌklɔːroʊˈfluːəroʊˌmeɪθeɪn/ (General American English).

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets, is: chlo-ro-flu-o-ro-meth-ane.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • chloro-: Prefix, from Greek khlōros meaning "greenish," indicating the presence of chlorine.
  • fluoro-: Prefix, from Latin fluere meaning "to flow," indicating the presence of fluorine.
  • methane: Root, from French méthane, ultimately from Greek methos meaning "wine" + hainein meaning "to ignite," referring to a hydrocarbon.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: /ˌklɔːroʊˈfluːəroʊˌmeɪθeɪn/.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /ˌklɔːroʊˈfluːəroʊˌmeɪθeɪn/

6. Edge Case Review: This word presents a challenge due to the multiple consonant clusters. The rule of maximizing onsets is crucial here.

7. Grammatical Role: "Chlorofluoromethane" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a chemical compound. Its syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical context.

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: A colorless, non-flammable gas formerly used as a refrigerant and aerosol propellant, now largely phased out due to its ozone-depleting effects.
  • Grammatical Category: Noun
  • Synonyms: CFC-14 (specific identifier)
  • Antonyms: (None directly applicable, as it's a specific chemical compound)
  • Examples: "The use of chlorofluoromethane was banned under the Montreal Protocol."

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • chlorobenzene: chlo-ro-ben-zene. Similar prefix, but different root. Syllable division follows the same onset maximization principle.
  • fluorocarbon: flu-o-ro-car-bon. Similar prefix, different root. Again, onset maximization applies.
  • methamphetamine: meth-am-phe-ta-mine. Shares the "meth-" root. Syllable division is consistent with the pattern.

10. Syllable Analysis Breakdown:

Syllable IPA Transcription Description Rule Applied Exceptions/Special Cases
chlo /klɔː/ Open syllable, onset cluster Maximizing Onsets
ro /roʊ/ Open syllable Vowel after consonant
flu /fluː/ Open syllable, onset cluster Maximizing Onsets
o /oʊ/ Open syllable Vowel alone
ro /roʊ/ Open syllable Vowel after consonant
meth /meɪθ/ Open syllable Vowel after consonant
ane /eɪn/ Open syllable Vowel after consonant

11. Division Rules Applied:

  • Maximizing Onsets: This is the primary rule applied. Consonant clusters are generally assigned to the following vowel to create a permissible onset.
  • Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV) Division: Where a vowel is followed by a consonant and then another vowel, the syllable is typically divided between the vowels.

12. Special Considerations: The multiple consonant clusters (e.g., "chlor-", "meth-") require careful application of the onset maximization rule. The word's length and complexity necessitate a detailed analysis.

13. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations: While the provided IPA transcription represents General American English, slight variations in vowel quality may occur in different dialects. These variations would not significantly alter the syllable division.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/6/2025

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Proper hyphenation improves readability by reducing the unevenness of word spacing and unnecessary large gaps. It also helps avoid confusion that may occur when part of a word carries over. Ideal hyphenation should break words according to pronunciation and syllables. Most word processors and publishing apps have automated tools to handle hyphenation effectively based on language rules and dictionaries. Though subtle, proper hyphenation improves overall typography and reading comfort.