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Word Analysis

counter-irritant

Complete linguistic analysis including syllable division, pronunciation, morphology, and definitions.

5 syllables
16 characters
English (US)
Enriched
5syllables

counterirritant

Linguistic Analysis

Syllables

coun-ter-ir-rit-ant

Pronunciation

/ˈkaʊntər ɪrɪtənt/

Stress

10000

Morphemes

counter- + irrit- + -ant

The word 'counter-irritant' is divided into five syllables: coun-, -ter, -ir-, -rit-, and -ant. It features a prefix 'counter-', a root 'irrit-', and a suffix '-ant'. The primary stress is on the first syllable. Syllabification follows standard English patterns, maximizing onsets.

Definitions

noun
  1. 1

    A substance that produces a mild local irritation to counteract the effects of a more severe irritation or inflammation.

    “The doctor applied a counter-irritant to reduce the swelling.”

    syn:vesicantrubefacient
    ant:anestheticanalgesic

Stress pattern

Primary stress falls on the first syllable: *coun-*

Syllables

5
coun-/kaʊn/
-ter/tər/
-ir-/ɪr/
-rit-/rɪt/
-ant/ənt/

coun- — Open syllable.. -ter — Closed syllable.. -ir- — Open syllable.. -rit- — Closed syllable.. -ant — Closed syllable.

Word Parts

pre

counter-

French origin, meaning "against" or "opposing"; negation/opposition

root

irrit-

Latin *irritare* - to provoke, excite; core meaning of causing annoyance or stimulation

suf

-ant

Latin *-ans*, *-ent* - forming agent nouns; creates a noun denoting something that performs the action

Similar Words

im­por­tantdif­fer­entrel­e­vant

Maximizing Onsets

The principle of maximizing onsets where possible, while respecting legal syllable structures in English. Vowel sounds are the nuclei of syllables, and consonants are assigned to either the onset or coda based on phonotactic constraints.

  • The hyphenated nature of "counter-irritant" acts as a clear syllable boundary marker.
Analysis by gemma3:27b · 12/30/2025

Nearby Words

17 words
counter-irritant(current)
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