How Do You Spell TERGEMINATE?

Pronunciation: [tɜːd͡ʒˈɛmɪnˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

"Tergeminate" is a word that refers to something being tripled or repeated three times. It is pronounced [ˈtɜː(r)ˌdʒɛmɪneɪt] in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the second syllable [dʒɛm]. The spelling may seem confusing at first glance, but it is derived from the Latin word "ter" meaning "three" and "geminate" meaning "doubled." Therefore, the "ter-" prefix is added to "geminate" to create "tergeminate," which accurately describes something that has been tripled or repeated three times.

TERGEMINATE Meaning and Definition

1. Tergeminate is an adjective derived from the Latin word "tergēminātus," which means "triple" or "threefold." It refers to something that is composed of three identical or similar parts, or is arranged in a tripartite manner. The term is commonly used in various contexts including linguistics, botany, and zoology.

   In the field of linguistics, tergeminate is used to describe a specific type of consonant cluster or sequence. It refers to a cluster of three consonants occurring together within a word or across word boundaries in certain languages. This could be a result of consonant gemination or the process of lengthening a consonantal sound, often indicated by a double letter, such as the repetition of the letter 'l' in the word "million."

   In botany and zoology, tergeminate refers to a structural arrangement found in certain plant organs or animal body parts. It describes the branching or arrangement of these organs or parts into three similar divisions or segments. For instance, a leaf exhibiting tergeminate characteristics would have three leaflets emanating from a common point.

   Overall, tergeminate is a term that signifies the presence of three identical or similar components in a particular structural arrangement or sequence. Its usage is thus dependent on the specific field in which it is employed, be it linguistics, botany, or zoology.

2. Thrice double; threefold; three-paired.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TERGEMINATE

• rergeminate
• fergeminate
• gergeminate
• yergeminate
• 6ergeminate
• 5ergeminate
• twrgeminate
• tsrgeminate
• tdrgeminate
• trrgeminate
• t4rgeminate
• t3rgeminate
• teegeminate
• tedgeminate
• tefgeminate
• tetgeminate
• te5geminate
• te4geminate
• terfeminate
• terveminate

Etymology of TERGEMINATE

The word "tergeminate" is derived from the Latin word "tergemini", which is a combination of "ter" meaning "three times" and "geminus" meaning "twin". "Ter" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*tréies", meaning "three", which is also seen in other words such as "triple" and "triennial". "Geminus" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*yem-" or "*yemh₁-" meaning "to pair" or "twin", which is seen in words like "gemini" (Latin for twins) or "geminate" (to double or repeat). Thus, the word "tergeminate" combines these Latin roots to suggest something that is repeated or doubled three times.