What term describes a diacritic mark (~) that signifies the pronunciation of a vowel or syllable in unaccented syllables?

The term that describes the diacritic mark (~), which indicates a specific pronunciation, particularly within unaccented syllables, is known as a tilde. In various languages, the tilde is used to modify the sound of letters, adding nuances that may alter how a vowel or syllable is pronounced, even when it appears in an unaccented position. For example, in Portuguese and Spanish, the tilde is used over certain vowels, conveying important phonetic information and helping to clarify meaning.

Recognizing the tilde is essential for understanding how it impacts pronunciation and meaning within words that may otherwise be ambiguous without its presence. In linguistics and phonetic studies, familiarity with such diacritical marks enhances comprehension of language structure and pronunciation, making the tilde a significant aspect of language education and multi-sensory learning approaches.