̘. ̈n.ˈæksənt n. & v. --n. 1 a
particular mode of
pronunciation,
esp.
one associated
with a particular
region or
group (Liverpool accent;
German accent; upper-class accent). 2
prominence given to a
syllable by
stress or pitch. 3 a mark on a
letter or
word to
indicate pitch, stress, or
the quality of a
vowel. 4 a
distinctive feature or
emphasis (an accent on comfort). 5 Mus. emphasis on a particular
note or chord. --v.tr. 1
pronounce with an accent;
emphasize (a word or syllable). 2
write or
print accents on (words etc.). 3
accentuate. 4 Mus.
play (a note etc.) with an accent. øøaccentual adj. [L accentus (as
AC-, cantus song) repr. Gk prosoidia (PROSODY), or
through F accent, accenter]