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hypocoristic definition

hypo·co·ris·tic (hī′pō kə ris′tik, hip′ō-)

adjective

of or being a pet name or a diminutive or term of endearment

Etymology: < Gr hypokoristikos < hypokorizesthai, to call by endearing names < hypo- (see hypo-) + korizesthai, to pet < korē, girl < IE base *er-, to grow > cereal

Related Forms:

  • hypocorism hy·poc′o·rism′ (hī päk′ə riz′əm) noun

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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