Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
interfixation

interfixation

9.9
Putting a short linking sound or letter between two word parts to make a new word
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərˈfɪkseɪʃən/
  • Specialized
: interfijación
  • Without interfixation, certain compound words would sound awkward or be hard to pronounce.

Examples

  • The process of interfixation is common in some agglutinative languages such as Turkish.

  • Linguists study interfixation to understand how words are constructed from smaller units.

  • The process of interfixation helps create compound words.

  • Many languages utilize interfixation to form new terms.

  • Linguists study interfixation to understand how words are constructed from smaller units.

  • The process of interfixation is common in some agglutinative languages such as Turkish.

  • Without interfixation, certain compound words would sound awkward or be hard to pronounce.

Surface Forms

interfixation singular
interfixations plural

Morphology

interfixation = interfix (semi-transparent) = inter + fix + ation

The word is a regular noun formed from the technical base 'interfix' plus '-ation', but the base itself is a specialized linguistic term.

Etymology

The word interfixation comes from inter- meaning 'between' and fix meaning 'to attach', the same root you see in prefix and suffix. Think of it as putting a small bridge or link between two word parts so they join smoothly, which is why interfixation means inserting a linking element between word parts.