triphthong

noun triph·thong \ˈtrif-ˌthȯŋ, ˈtrip-\

Definition of TRIPHTHONG

: a phonological unit consisting of three successive vocalic sounds in one syllable

— triph·thon·gal \trif-ˈthȯŋ-gəl, trip-, -əl\ adjective

tri- + -phthong (as in diphthong)

First Known Use: circa 1599

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