smooth breathing


smooth breathing

n.1. The symbol ( ′ ) written over some initial vowels and diphthongs in ancient Greek to indicate that a word does not begin with the sound (h).2. In ancient Greek, an initial vowel or diphthong not preceded by the sound (h).

smooth breathing

n (Phonetics & Phonology) (in Greek) the sign (᾿) placed over an initial vowel, indicating that (in ancient Greek) it was not pronounced with an h. Compare rough breathing

smooth′ breath′ing


n. 1. a symbol (') used in the writing of Greek to indicate that the initial vowel over which it is placed is unaspirated. 2. the lack of aspiration indicated by this symbol. Compare rough breathing.