epenthesis Hear it!

epenthesis definition

ep·en·thesis (ep en′t̸hə sis)

noun pl. epentheses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

  1. Phonet. a change which involves the insertion of an unhistoric sound or letter in a word, as the b in mumble or the extra syllable in the pronunciation (at̸hʹə·lēt) for athlete
  2. the inserted sound or letter

Etymology: LL < Gr < epi-, upon + en-, in + thesis, a placing: see thesis

Related Forms:

  • epenthetic ep·en·thet′ic (ep′en t̸het′ik) adjective

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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