What is a nuclear syllable?

Definition
	A nuclear syllable is a syllable that carries maximum prominence, usually due to being stressed.

Examples
	“I will give you a permit.” Stress is on the nuclear syllable per of permit. “I will permit you to do it.” Stress is on the nuclear syllable mit of permit.

Concept module: nuclear syllable
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): N
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004