Definify.com

Definition 2024


-i-

-i-

See also: Appendix:Variations of "i"

English

Interfix

-i-

  1. (in coining neologisms) A vowel inserted interconsonantally between morphemes of Latinate origin in order to ease pronunciation (an anaptyxis, a linking vowel).
Derived terms
See also
  • -k-
  • -o- (the Greek parallel)

References

  • The Concise Oxford English Dictionary [Eleventh Edition] lists -i- as an entry.

Etymology 2

The initial vowel of primate

Interfix

-i-

  1. (pharmacology) a monoclonal antibody derived from a non-human primate source
Related terms
  • -mab is the base suffix common to all monoclonal antibodies. (See that entry for full paradigm.)
References
  • USP Dictionary of USAN and International Drug Names, U.S. Pharmacopeia, 2000

Etymology 3

From -y.

Suffix

-i-

  1. Alternative form of -y (having the quality of)
Usage notes

Spelling change, used when followed by another suffix such as -ness, as in messmessymessiness, or -ly as in messily.


Latin

Etymology

From the reduction of several historical unstressed short stem vowels during the Old Latin period. The reduced vowel was later reinterpreted as part of various suffixes.

Interfix

-i-

  1. Connecting vowel inserted between a stem and a suffix in compound words.

Derived terms