| enclitic |
| Definition: A clitic that is joined to the end of a preceding word. Note: Clitics are independent words that sometimes transform into dependent affixes (e.g., the word am when used as the 'm in I'm). |
| Example: The word not becomes the enclitic 't when joined to a preceding verb — as in can't and shouldn't. |
| Etymology: The word derives from the Greek enklitikos, throwing its accent back (from the Greek klinein, to lean). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: Its first citation is from 1656: "Enclitick, that inclines or gives back." (Blount Glossogr.) |