What is "polysyndeton"

Polysyndeton \Pol`y*syn"de*ton\, n. [NL., from Gr. poly`s many + ? bound together, fr. ? to bind together; ? with + ? to bind.] (Rhet.) A figure by which the conjunction is often repeated, as in the sentence, ``We have ships and men and money and stores.'' Opposed to asyndeton.

n. (context rhetoric English) The use of many conjunctions to achieve an overwhelming effect in a sentence.

n. using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in `he ran and jumped and laughed for joy')

Polysyndeton is the use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted (as in "he ran and jumped and laughed for joy"). The word polysyndeton comes from the Greek "poly-", meaning "many," and "syndeton", meaning "bound together with". It is a stylistic scheme used to achieve a variety of effects: it can increase the rhythm of prose, speed or slow its pace, convey solemnity or even ecstasy and childlike exuberance. Another common use of polysyndeton is to create a sense of being overwhelmed, or in fact directly overwhelm the audience by using conjunctions, rather than commas, leaving little room for a reader to breathe.

In grammar, a polysyndetic coordination is a coordination in which all conjuncts are linked by coordinating conjunctions (usually and, but, or, nor in English).