ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈpāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin syncopation-, syncopatio, from syncopatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1. : syncope 2
2. : a temporary displacement or shifting of the regular metrical accent in a musical composition occurring typically when a tone is begun on an unaccented beat and continued through the following accented beat or when a tone begins after the commencement of a beat and is continued into the following beat
3. : a rhythm or dance step in syncopated time
shoes scuffing syncopations on the cement sidewalk — Booth Tarkington