epenthesis

[ uh-pen-thuh-sis ]

noun

, plural ep·en·the·ses [uh, -, pen, -th, uh, -seez].

1. the insertion of one or more sounds in the middle of a word, as the schwa in the nonstandard pronunciation [el, -, uh, m] of elm.

epenthesis

/ ˌɛpɛnˈθɛtɪk; ɛˈpɛnθɪsɪs /

noun

1. the insertion of a sound or letter into a word

Derived Forms

• epenthetic, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·en·thet·ic [ep-, uh, n-, thet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epenthesis¹

1650–60; < Late Latin: insertion of a letter < Greek epénthesis equivalent to ep- ep- + en- en- ² + thésis placing; thesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of epenthesis¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from epentithenai to insert, from epi- + en- ² + tithenai to place

Example Sentences

Some of these arise from the umlaut or epenthesis which is so prevalent, and which we have already seen in airya- as compared with the Skt. �rya.

From Project Gutenberg

But epenthesis of a consonant is more common, especially b or p after m, and d after n.

From Project Gutenberg

This, by an aphaeresis of tau and an epenthesis of omicron in two places, may be identified with echonoe, and signifies 'that which has mind.'

From Project Gutenberg