immunosuppressive
Syllables
im-mu-no-sup-pres-sive
Pronunciation
/ˌɪmjuːnoʊsəˈpresɪv/
Stress
0001001
Morphemes
im- + mun- + -ive
The word 'immunosuppressive' is divided into seven syllables (im-mu-no-sup-pres-sive) with primary stress on the fifth syllable. It's a Latin-derived adjective formed from multiple morphemes, and its syllabification follows standard English rules prioritizing onset maximization and vowel-initial syllables.
Definitions
- 1
Relating to or having the effect of suppressing the immune system.
“Immunosuppressive drugs are used to prevent organ rejection.”
“The patient received immunosuppressive therapy after the transplant.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the fifth syllable ('pres'), the antepenultimate syllable. This is typical for words of this length and complexity in English.
Syllables
im — Closed syllable, onset cluster. mu — Open syllable. no — Open syllable. sup — Closed syllable, onset cluster. pres — Closed syllable. sive — Open syllable
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset Maximization
Consonant clusters are retained in the onset of a syllable whenever possible.
Vowel-Initial Syllable Rule
Syllables typically begin with a vowel sound.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are analyzed to determine the most phonologically plausible syllable division.
Sonority Sequencing Principle
Syllables tend to follow a sonority hierarchy, with sounds becoming more sonorous (vowel-like) towards the nucleus.
- The '-suppress-' sequence presents a potential ambiguity in syllabification, but 'sup-pres' is preferred based on common pronunciation.
- The initial consonant cluster 'imm' can be challenging for some speakers.
Nearby Words
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