Pronunciation: [hˈapaks] (IPA) 
The word "hapax" is spelled as /ˈheɪ.pæks/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "h" is pronounced as in "hat" and the "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as in "hey". The "p" is pronounced as in "pat" and the "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as in "apple". The "x" is pronounced as "ks". "Hapax" refers to a word or expression that appears only once in a text, author's work, or the entire recorded language.
Hapax is a term used in linguistics and literary criticism to refer to a word or an expression that occurs only once in a particular context or within a specific corpus, written work, or language. Derived from the Greek word "hapax legomenon," meaning "being said once," hapax signifies a unique or isolated occurrence of a word.
In linguistic analysis, hapaxes are significant because they can shed light on various aspects. They can offer clues about the historical development of a language, demonstrate the usage of obsolete or archaic terms, or indicate the author's linguistic creativity or experimentation. Moreover, hapaxes can provide insights into the overall structure, style, or theme of a particular text, as their rarity emphasizes their significance and uniqueness.
Hapax legomena are not limited to individual words but can also encompass idioms, phrases, or even grammatical constructions found only once in a given context. They can pose challenges for interpreters or translators who encounter such unfamiliar terms or expressions, as they lack a consistent or established meaning.
Scholars often compile lists or catalogues of hapax legomena within ancient texts or dead languages, seeking to unravel their meaning or purpose in the wider context. By studying these isolated occurrences, linguists and researchers gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic peculiarities, literary techniques, or cultural references present in a given work, ultimately enriching our comprehension and appreciation of language and literature as a whole.
The word "hapax" is derived from the Greek term "hapax legomenon" (ἅπαξ λεγόμενον), which means "being said only once". It is a combination of "hapax", meaning "once" or "one", and "legomenon", which translates to "being said". In linguistics, a hapax legomenon refers to a word or expression occurring only once in a particular context, author's work, or language corpus.
