ˈhaɪfən n. & v. --n.
the sign (-) used to
join words semantically or syntactically (as in fruit-tree, pick-me-up, rock-forming), to
indicate the
division of a
word at the
end of a line, or to indicate a
missing or implied
element (as in manand womankind). --v.tr. 1
write (a compound word)
with a hyphen. 2 join (words) with a hyphen. [LL f. Gk huphen
together f. hupo
under +
hen one]