phonotactics

noun

plural in form but singular in construction
: the area of phonology concerned with the analysis and description of the permitted sound sequences of a language

Word History

Etymology

phonotactic (from phono- + -tactic) + -ics

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phonotactics was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“Phonotactics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phonotactics. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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