phonotactics

[ foh-nuh-tak-tiks ]
/ ˌfoʊ nəˈtæk tɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb) Linguistics.

the patterns in which the phonemes of a language may combine to form sequences.
the study and description of such patterns.

Origin of phonotactics

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at phonotactic, -ics

British Dictionary definitions for phonotactics

phonotactics
/ (ˈfəʊnəʊˌtæktɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) linguistics the study of the possible arrangement of the sounds of a language in the words of that language

Word Origin for phonotactics

C20: from phono- + -tactics, on the model of syntactic; see syntax