Definition & Meaning of "polysyndeton"

What is "polysyndeton"?

Polysyndeton is a literary device where several conjunctions, such as "and", "or", and "but", are used in close succession to link words, phrases, or clauses, creating a feeling of abundance or emphasis. For example, in the sentence "He ran and jumped and laughed with joy", the repeated use of "and" creates a sense of continuous action and excitement. Polysyndeton can slow down the rhythm of a sentence and draw attention to each element being connected.