encephalomalacia
Syllables
en-ceph-a-lo-ma-la-cia
Pronunciation
/ˌɛnˌsɛfəloʊməˈleɪʃə/
Stress
0000001
Morphemes
en- + cephal/o- + -malacia
Encephalomalacia is a seven-syllable noun with primary stress on the final syllable. Syllabification follows the vowel peak principle, with breaks occurring after vowels. The word's complex morphology and multiple schwa sounds require careful consideration. It is derived from Greek roots meaning 'softening of the brain'.
Definitions
- 1
Softening of the brain tissue.
“The patient was diagnosed with encephalomalacia following the stroke.”
“Encephalomalacia can lead to neurological deficits.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the final syllable ('cia'). Secondary stress on the first syllable ('en').
Syllables
en — Open syllable, unstressed.. ceph — Open syllable, unstressed.. a — Open syllable, schwa, unstressed.. lo — Open syllable, unstressed.. ma — Open syllable, unstressed.. la — Open syllable, unstressed.. cia — Open syllable, stressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Peak Principle
Each syllable must contain a vowel sound.
Consonant-Vowel Pattern
Syllable break occurs after the vowel in CV patterns.
Schwa Sound
Schwa sounds readily form syllables on their own.
- The word's length and complex morphology.
- The presence of multiple schwa sounds.
- Potential for vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.
Nearby Words
17 wordsTrending in English (US)
Terms getting hyphenated by users right now.