How to pronounce kernicterus
Say it like kur-NIK-tuh-rus. Kernicterus has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NIK).
- kur
- NIK
- tuh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kernicterus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kurKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- NIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kernicterus
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kur-NIK-tuh-rus.
What does kernicterus mean?
- Damage to the brain centres of infants caused by increased levels of unconjugated-indirect bilirubin which is free (not bound to albumin).
Where does kernicterus come from?
Borrowed from German Kernikterus, from Kern (“nucleus”) + Ikterus (“icterus, jaundice”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- bilirubinencephalopathy
Questions about saying kernicterus
How do you pronounce kernicterus?
Say kur-NIK-tuh-rus. The American pronunciation is /kɝˈnɪktərəs/. In British English it is /kɜːˈnɪktərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kernicterus?
Kernicterus has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NIK). Broken into parts: kur · NIK · tuh · rus.
Is kernicterus pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kɜːˈnɪktərəs/ (kur-NIK-tuh-rus).