Syllepsis

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /sɪˈlÉ›p.sɪs/

Origin

From Latin syllepsis, from Ancient Greek σύλληψις

Full definition of syllepsis

Noun

1. (rhetoric) A figure of speech in which one word simultaneously modifies two or more other words such that the modification must be understood differently with respect to each modified word; often causing humorous incongruity
2. (botany) Growth in which lateral branches develop from a lateral meristem, without the formation of a bud or period of dormancy, when the lateral meristem is split from a terminal meristem.

Antonyms

• (botany) prolepsis

Coordinate terms

• (rhetoric) zeugma

Hypernyms

• (rhetoric) brachylogy

Related terms

• sylleptic