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hapax legomenon

[ hap-aks li-gom-uh-non, hey-paks ]

noun

, plural hap·ax le·go·me·na [hap, -aks li-, gom, -, uh, -n, uh, hey, -paks].
  1. a word or phrase that appears only once in a manuscript, document, or particular area of literature.


hapax legomenon

/ ˈhæpæks ləˈɡɒmɪˌnɒn /

noun

  1. another term for nonce word
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of hapax legomenon1

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Greek hápax “once, one time” + legómenon “(being) said,” neuter singular present passive participle of légein “to say”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hapax legomenon1

Greek: thing said only once
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Example Sentences

It is the commonest word in the lexicon, yet it always reads as a hapax legomenon.

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hapaxanthicha'penny