heteronym

[ het-er-uh-nim ]

noun

1. a word spelled the same as another but having a different sound and meaning, as lead (to conduct) and lead (a metal).

heteronym

/ ˈhɛtərəʊˌnɪm; ˌhɛtəˈrɒnɪməs /

noun

1. one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike Compare homograph

   the two English words spelt ``bow'' are heteronyms

Derived Forms

• ˌheterˈonymously, adverb
• heteronymous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heteronym¹

From the Late Greek word heterṓnymos, dating back to 1880–85. See hetero-, -onym

Word History and Origins

Origin of heteronym¹

C17: from Late Greek heteronumos, from Greek hetero- + onoma name

Example Sentences

His alter egos, or “heteronyms,” are on nearly every page.

From New York Times

His heteronyms were addicted to their obscurity, vain about their privacy and pained when forced to “publish” their work.

From New York Times

I remember once when a heteronym caused me much amusement.

From Washington Post

He spent a lifetime exploring the multiplicity of his inner self this way, using a literary idea he called heteronym to write in many styles as different people with rich backstories.

From Washington Post

In a trunk of more than 25,000 pages of manuscript discovered after he died were writings by nearly 80 people, or "heteronyms", created in Pessoa's lifetime.

From The Guardian