Meanings
plural hypostrophes
- countableobsoleteuncountablemedicineThe act of a patient turning himself or herself.
- countableobsoleteuncountablemedicineA relapse; a return of a disease.
Whenever the temperature remains elevated, however slightly, and generally when the temperature rises still more, we may confidently assume that the healing process is yet incomplete, or that a fresh malady, a sequela, or a hypostrophe is being developed.
1871, C. A. Wunderlich, “The Course of the Temperature in Febrile Diseases” (chapter 11), in W. Bathurst Woodman, transl., On the Temperature in Diseases: A Manual of Medical Thermometry, London: New Sydenham Society, page 275 - countablerhetoricuncountableA return to the main theme following an insertion or parenthesis.
1 more example
In addition, the initial σὺ of line 14 completes the series in 6 and 12, providing an extended epanaphora through the mid-section of II, and supplies a slight hypostrophe (catches up the thread of the narrative after a parenthesis and makes a fresh start by either repeating the subject or adding a demonstrative) after the trinitarian parenthesis of 12–13.
1990, Daniel J. Sheerin, “The Anaphora of the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom: Stylistic Notes” (chapter 3), in David Jasper, R. C. D. Jasper, editors, Language and the Worship of the Church, London: Palgrave Macmillan, →DOI, →ISBN, page 51
Origin
- Ancient Greekὑποστροφή
- Englishhypostrophe
From Ancient Greek ὑποστροφή (hupostrophḗ), from ὑποστρέφω (hupostréphō, “to turn round or back”).
More words from Ancient Greek
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
hypostrophe. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypostrophe
“hypostrophe.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypostrophe. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “hypostrophe,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypostrophe.
Source: hypostrophe on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.