affix
/ˈæf.ɪks/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.63 in modern English
18
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A bound morpheme added to a word’s stem, such as a prefix or suffix.
noun
The complex number a+bi associated with the point in the Gauss plane with coordinates (a,b).
noun
Any small feature, as a figure, a flower, or the like, added for ornament to a vessel or other utensil, to an architectural feature.
verb
To fix or fasten figuratively.
Example Sentences
- "A prefix is an affix that joins to the beginning of another word. Depending on the prefix, it can slightly or significantly alter the meaning of a word. For example, the English prefix “un-” changes a word into its opposite, as from “do” to “undo,” altering its meaning entirely."
- "to affix a stigma to a person"
- "to affix ridicule or blame to somebody"
- "Should they [caterpillars] affix them to the leaves of a plant improper for their food […]"
- "On a recent afternoon a work crew and crane were affixing the tall lettering to the side of the team’s new stadium, just off the autobahn in Sinsheim, a few miles from Hoffenheim."
- "to affix a syllable to a word"
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin affixus, perfect passive participle of affigere (from ad- + figere). By surface analysis, af- + fix.