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Transfix
Definitions
- 1 A discontinuous affix, typical of Afro-Asiatic languages, which occurs at more than one position in a word, i.e. a combination of prefixes, infixes and/or suffixes.
"The Arabic word مكتوب (maktūb, “written”) is built from the root [script needed] (k–t–b, “writing”) and the transfix [script needed] (ma––ū–, “passive participle”)."
- 1 To render motionless, by arousing terror, amazement or awe. transitive
"He stood transfixed before the unaccustomed view of London at night time, a vast panorama which reminded him […] of some wood engravings far off and magical, in a printshop in his childhood. They dated from the previous century and were coarsely printed on tinted paper, with tinsel outlining the design."
- 2 pierce with a sharp stake or point wordnet
- 3 To pierce with a sharp pointed weapon. transitive
"The spear transfixed my arm that was uplifted In swift expostulation, and the blood Gushed round its point: I smiled, […]"
- 4 to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe wordnet
- 5 To fix or impale. transitive
Etymology
From Middle French transfixer, from Old French transfixer, from Latin transfigō (“to pierce through”), from trans- (“through”) + figō (“to pierce”).
From trans- + -fix.
See also for "transfix"
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