Heteroclitic

/ˌhɛtərəˈklɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Having the quality of being irregular or not following standard rules, particularly in grammar or structure.

Etymology

From heteroclite with the adjectival suffix -ic, maintaining the Greek roots hetero- (different) and -klite (declining irregularly).

Kelly Says

This word is the adjective form that grammarians use to label anything that's a rebel against standard rules—it applies to everything from irregular verbs to unusual sentence structures that somehow work beautifully.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.