What is an accented syllable? ?
An accented syllable (I assume you’re talking about med terminology) is the syllable that receives the emphasis; like “syllable” and “emphasis” are both accented on the first syllable, while “assume” is accented on the second syllable. Med Terminology is taken from Greek and Latin, which both have very specific accenting and syllabification rules. Generally, the second to the last syllable will be accented (or emphasized) unless it contains a short vowel sound, in which case the third-to-last syllable will be emphasized. In Latin, the last syllable is never accented; it is called the ultima. The second-to-last syllable is usually accented or emphasized, it is called the penult. When the penult has a short vowel, the syllable before it receives the emphasis, it is called the antepenult. In Greek, accents were used differently, but the emphasis is roughly the same as in Latin – either the second or third-to-last syllable. If in doubt, say the word quietly to yourself and see which syllab
