What is the term for a construction in which one part of speech governs two or more other parts of a sentence?

Zeugma is the correct term for a construction in which one part of speech governs or modifies two or more other parts of a sentence. This rhetorical device typically involves a verb or an adjective that applies to more than one noun, creating a unique relationship between them. For example, in the sentence "He stole my heart and my wallet," the verb "stole" applies to both "heart" and "wallet," demonstrating the dual function of the verb in a compact and powerful way.

This technique often adds depth or complexity to writing, as it can create an unexpected linkage between disparate elements. In contrast, the other options do not pertain to this specific construction. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly equates one thing to another, a simile does so using "like" or "as," and alliteration refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. These terms describe different literary techniques rather than the structural relationship defined by zeugma.