SYNECDOCHIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does synecdochic mean? 

• SYNECDOCHIC (adjective)
  The adjective SYNECDOCHIC has 1 sense:

1. using the name of a part for that of the whole or the whole for the part; or the special for the general or the general for the special; or the material for the thing made of it

  Familiarity information: SYNECDOCHIC used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SYNECDOCHIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Using the name of a part for that of the whole or the whole for the part; or the special for the general or the general for the special; or the material for the thing made of it

Synonyms:

synecdochic; synecdochical

Context example:

to use 'hand' for 'worker' or 'ten sail' for 'ten ships' or 'steel' for 'sword' is to use a synecdochic figure of speech

Similar:

figurative; nonliteral ((used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech)

Derivation:

synecdoche (substituting a more inclusive term for a less inclusive one or vice versa)