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tonic accent

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tonic accent

–noun
prominence given to a syllable in speaking, usually due to a change, esp. a rise, in pitch.

Origin:
1865–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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tonic accent  
n.   Linguistics
A stress produced by a change, especially a rise, in pitch as distinguished from increased volume. Also called pitch accent.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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