Here's a breakdown:
Characteristics:
* Two or more words: They combine multiple words to create a new term.
* Joined by hyphens: Hyphens connect the individual words within the compound.
* Single concept: The hyphenated compound represents a unified idea or entity.
Examples:
* well-being: This refers to a state of good health and happiness, not simply "well" and "being" separately.
* mother-in-law: This refers to the wife of one's parent, not just a mother and a law.
* six-pack: This describes a container holding six individual units, not just six and a pack.
* state-of-the-art: This refers to the most advanced technology or design available, not just the "state" and "art" individually.
Why use hyphens?
* Clarity: Hyphens prevent ambiguity and make it clear that the combined words form a single unit.
* Pronunciation: Hyphens can guide pronunciation, especially for words that might otherwise be mispronounced.
* Grammatical convention: There are established rules and conventions regarding when to use hyphens in compound nouns.
Note:
* Hyphenation rules can be complex and vary depending on the context and style guide being used.
* Some compound nouns are written as one word (e.g., "rainbow," "waterfall"), while others are written separately (e.g., "high school," "living room").
Understanding the function and usage of hyphenated compound nouns is crucial for clear and accurate communication in writing.