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metalepsis

noun/ˌmɛtəˈlɛpsɪs/

definition

a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used in a way that creates a connection between two distinct ideas or concepts

example

The author skillfully employed metalepsis to weave together the themes of time and memory, creating a richer narrative experience.

synonyms
metonymysynecdocheanalogy
word origin — From Greek 'metalepsis', from 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' and 'lepsis' meaning 'a taking'.

metalepsis, welkin, capnomancy, desuetude, astrolabe: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 31. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. metalepsis · noun/ˌmɛtəˈlɛpsɪs/

    a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used in a way that creates a connection between two distinct ideas or concepts

    The author skillfully employed metalepsis to weave together the themes of time and memory, creating a richer narrative experience.

    Synonyms: metonymy, synecdoche, analogy

    Origin: From Greek 'metalepsis', from 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' and 'lepsis' meaning 'a taking'.

  2. welkin · noun/ˈwɛlkɪn/

    the sky or the heavens

    As the sun set, the welkin glowed with shades of orange and pink, painting a breathtaking canvas above us.

    Synonyms: sky, heavens, firmament

    Origin: Middle English 'welekin', from Old English 'wælcyne', meaning 'the sky or celestial sphere'

  3. capnomancy · noun/kæpˈnoʊmənsi/

    a practice of divination based on observing the smoke patterns from a fire

    The villagers practiced capnomancy to predict the outcome of the harvest, carefully observing the smoke patterns rising from the bonfire.

    Synonyms: smoke divination, smoke reading, pyromancy

    Origin: from Greek 'kapnos' meaning 'smoke' and 'manteia' meaning 'divination'

  4. desuetude · noun/ˈdɛs.wəˌtjud/

    a state of disuse or inactivity

    The once popular tradition fell into desuetude as fewer people participated in the annual festival.

    Synonyms: disuse, inactivity, neglect

    Origin: Latin 'desuetudo', from 'desuescere' meaning 'to unaccustom'

  5. astrolabe · noun/ˈæstrəleɪb/

    an ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars

    The ancient mariners relied on their astrolabe to navigate the open seas by measuring the altitude of stars.

    Synonyms: none

    Origin: from the Middle English 'astrolabie', from the Latin 'astrolabium', from the Greek 'ἀστρολάβιον' (astrolábion), meaning 'star-taker'