tricolon (noun) - a rhetorical device employing three words, phrases or sentences that are parallel in structure, length and/or rhythm to create emphasis; an isocolon with three parts [trahy-koh-luhn]
BREAKDOWN: TRI- (three) + COLON- (member, clause)
a tricolon is also a punctuation mark with three vertical dots, sadly fallen out of use
tricolon crescens is a tricolon that increases in magnitude or intensity towards a climax on the third part
tricolon diminuens is a tricolon that decreases in magnitude or intensity
TRICOLON EXAMPLE: “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people” —Abraham Lincoln
[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]