Meeussen's rule

proper noun

The rule describing a special case of tone reduction in Bantu languages, where in some contexts the second of two adjacent high tones is lowered.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. human sciencesThe rule describing a special case of tone reduction in Bantu languages, where in some contexts the second of two adjacent high tones is lowered.

Origin

Named after its first observer, Achille Emile Meeussen (1912–1978).

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Cite this entry
APA

Meeussen's rule. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Meeussen's%20rule

MLA

“Meeussen's rule.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Meeussen's%20rule. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Meeussen's rule,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Meeussen's%20rule.

Source: Meeussen's rule on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.