esprit doux

French

Etymology

Calque of Latin spīritus lēnis, itself a calque of Ancient Greek ψιλὸν πνεῦμα (psilòn pneûma). (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “ψιλὸν πνεῦμα failed RFV.”)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɛs.pʁi du/

Noun

esprit doux m (plural esprits doux)

1. (phonetics, typography) smooth breathing

   Antonym: esprit rude