aphesis

noun

aph·​e·​sis ˈa-fə-səs How to pronounce aphesis (audio)
plural apheses ˈa-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce aphesis (audio)
: aphaeresis consisting of the loss of a short unaccented vowel (as in lone for alone)
aphetic adjective
aphetically adverb

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, release, from aphienai to let go, from apo- + hienai to send — more at jet

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphesis was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near aphesis

Cite this Entry

“Aphesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphesis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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