hyphen
UK: ˈhaɪ.fən | US: ˈhaɪ.fən
n. a punctuation mark (-) used to join words or parts of words
vt. to connect or separate with a hyphen
The word "hyphen" originates from Greek hyphen, meaning "together" or "in one," derived from hypo- (under) + hen (one). It originally described a diacritical mark "⸗" placed under letters to indicate they should be read as a single sound. Over time, its meaning shifted to the modern punctuation mark (-) joining words or syllables. The logic reflects unification—literally "under one."
Use a hyphen to connect compound words like "mother-in-law."
The editor asked me to hyphenate the phrase "well-known."
Some languages, like German, frequently use hyphens in word formation.
Avoid unnecessary hyphens in formal writing.
The word "co-operate" can also be spelled with a hyphen.