n. A punctuation mark ( - ) used between the parts of a compound word or name or between the syllables of a word, especially when divided at the end of a line of text. tr.v. hy·phened, hy·phen·ing, hy·phens To hyphenate. [Late Latin, from Greek huphen, a sign indicating a compound or two words which are to be read as one, from huph' hen, in one : hupo, under; see HYPO- + hen, neuter of heis, one; see sem-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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