ablaut Hear it!

ablaut definition

ab·laut (ab′lo̵ut′, äb′-; Ger äp′lo̵ut′)

noun

patterned change of base vowels in forms of a word or in related words to show changes in tense, meaning, etc., as in the Indo-European languages (Ex.: drink, drank, drunk)

Etymology: Ger < ab-, off, from + laut, sound: see loud

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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