Definition: Polysyndeton is a rhetorical term for using conjunctions (copulatives) between every coordinating element (words, phrases, or clauses) in a sentence -- generally, for some type of emphasis.
The roots of the word polysyndeton are Greek: poly=many; syn=together; dein=to bind.
See:
- "Rhetorical Devices in Caesar's Commentaries," by Charles W. Siedler; The Classical Weekly Vol. 50, No. 2, Caesar (Oct. 19, 1956), pp. 28-31.
- "The Functions of Repetition in Latin Poetry," by Hubert McNeill Poteat; The Classical Weekly Vol. 12, No. 18 (Mar. 10, 1919), pp. 139-142.
Examples:
Here's an example of Cicero's use of polysyndeton:
Horae quidem cedunt et dies et menses et anni, nec praeteritum tempus umquam revertitur, nec quid sequatur sciri potest. Cicero De senectuteThe hours, indeed, give way, and the days, and the months, and the years, neither does time gone past ever return, nor is it possible to know what comes after.
