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RE: 5 minute freewrite 2265 prompt epicalyx

in Freewriters11 months ago

I'm guessing EP-ih-KAL-icks on the pronunciation. If I recall correctly (and I may not) the calyx is the cluster of green petal-like leaft green bits at the base of the glower, and the epi- prefix usually means something like "on," or "over." So the second layer of green leafy-bits are probably the epicalyx like you guessed. I welcome correction from anyone more versed in botany.

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I am not arguing your pronunciation, but how in God's green earth does that match the spelling?

Greek origins.

Prefix epi-

Root word calyx, emphasis typically on the first syllable cal- followed by y as a short i vowel sound, and x as a hard -cks consonant like exit instead of being slurred into a z sound like xylophone.

Fun with English!

Thank you, that is a good explanation, I still have trouble with yx, xy as in xylophone makes more sense to me, but it is what it is.