rough breathing


noun

the symbol (ʿ) used in the writing of Greek to indicate aspiration of the initial vowel or of the ρ (rho) over which it is placed.
the aspirated sound indicated by this mark.
Compare smooth breathing.

Origin of rough breathing

1740–50; translation of Latin spiritus asper

Example sentences from the Web for rough breathing

British Dictionary definitions for rough breathing

rough breathing

noun

(in Greek) the sign (῾) placed over an initial letter, or a second letter if the word begins with a diphthong, indicating that (in ancient Greek) it was pronounced with an h Compare smooth breathing