What is "prodelision"

n. A form of elision in which the latter word loses its first vowels.

Prodelision is a form of elision in which the latter word loses its first vowels.

Example:

"Namqu(e) etsi nullum memorabile nomen
femina(e) in poena (e)st, habet haec victoria laudem,
exstinxisse nefas." (Aeneid 2.583-585)

The "e" of "est" elides in the second line, rather than the "a" of "poena." This is very common in Latin with forms of the verb "esse."

Category:Phonology