English

Noun

interfix ‎(plural interfixes)

1. (linguistics) An empty morph inserted between two morphemes in the process of word formation, such as English -o-, -i-.
   • 2004, Francis Katamba, Morphology: Critical Concepts in Linguistics , ISBN 0415270790, page 187:

     An empty morph is an interfix if it fulfills all of the following three conditions (Dressier, 1985f).

2. (linguistics) A transfix.
3. (computing, information retrieval, dated) An association link, a device to group multiple words or concepts.
   • 1959, Frank S. Wagner, Jr., A Dictionary of Documentation Terms , page 19:

     LOCANT, n. A number used in the Dyson cipher system for coding the position of substituents of carbon chain, i.e. an interfix.

Coordinate terms

• (types of affixes): adfix, affix, ambifix, circumfix, confix, infix, libfix, postfix, prefix, suffix, suprafix

Translations

Verb

interfix ‎(third-person singular simple present interfixes, present participle interfixing, simple past and past participle interfixed)

1. (engineering, transitive) To attach or anchor (two or more parts) together.
   • 1932, Elmer G. Koch, "Collar Fastener", United States Patent 1915250 , page 2:

     Generally speaking the article is formed of two pieces which are interfixed for providing a pair of spring urged jaws...

2. (linguistics, transitive) To insert (an interfix) between two morphemes.
   • 2001, Wolfgang U. Dressler et al., "The Processing of interfixed German compounds", in Yearbook of Morphology 1999 , ISBN 079236631X, page 185:

     Our goal in the construction of this task was to isolate and highlight the relationship between the interfixed and free forms of the initial constituent.

Derived terms

• interfixation

See also

• epenthesis