sextuplet
UK[seksˈtʌplət]US[seksˈtʌplət]
n
One of six children or animals born at the same time to the same mother.
n
A group of six equal musical notes played in the time normally taken by four.
Morpheme Breakdown
sext
uplet
sext
six
uplet
multiple, group
Etymology
The word "sextuplet" is a modern English formation built upon classical numerical roots. Its first element, "sext," originates from the Latin numeral sex, meaning "six," which can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root s(w)eḱs. The second element, "-uplet," is an adaptation of the suffix "-plet," derived from Latin -plus (meaning "fold"), itself from PIE pel- (to fold). The logic of the construction is transparent: it literally denotes a "six-fold" entity. This pattern follows the model of "triplet" and "quadruplet," systematically applying a Latin numerical root to the suffix to specify a multiple birth or a grouped set of six.
Analysis
Structure: sext (six) + uplet (multiple, group)
- sext: From Latin sextus, meaning "sixth," derived from sex, meaning "six." In this word, it functions as a numerical root.
- uplet: A variant of the suffix -plet, from the Latin -plus, meaning "fold" or "multiple," indicating a grouped or multiplied number.
Examples
The birth of sextuplets is an extremely rare medical event.
The composer used a sextuplet of semiquavers to create a rushing effect in the melody.
The family gained national attention after welcoming healthy sextuplets.