circumflex

1 of 2

adjective

cir·​cum·​flex ˈsər-kəm-ˌfleks How to pronounce circumflex (audio)
1
: characterized by the pitch, quantity, or quality indicated by a circumflex
2
: marked with a circumflex

circumflex

2 of 2

noun

: a mark ˆ, ⌢, or ˜ originally used in Greek over long vowels to indicate a rising-falling tone and in other languages to mark length, contraction, or a particular vowel quality

Examples of circumflex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There’s something about the circumflex over the a, the accent over the e, that adds a sense of mystique. Talia Lavin, Bon Appetit, 15 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumflex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin circumflexus, past participle of circumflectere to bend around, mark with a circumflex, from circum- + flectere to bend

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumflex was circa 1577

Dictionary Entries Near circumflex

Cite this Entry

“Circumflex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumflex. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

circumflex

noun
cir·​cum·​flex
ˈsər-kəm-ˌfleks
: a mark ˆ over a vowel

Medical Definition

circumflex

adjective
cir·​cum·​flex ˈsər-kəm-ˌfleks How to pronounce circumflex (audio)
of nerves and blood vessels
: bending around

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