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).

Origin of heteronym

1
From the Late Greek word heterṓnymos, dating back to 1880–85. See hetero-, -onym

Words Nearby heteronym

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British Dictionary definitions for heteronym

heteronym

/ (ˈhɛtərəʊˌnɪm) /


noun
  1. one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike: the two English words spelt ``bow'' are heteronyms Compare homograph

Origin of heteronym

1
C17: from Late Greek heteronumos, from Greek hetero- + onoma name

Derived forms of heteronym

  • heteronymous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒnɪməs), adjective
  • heteronymously, adverb

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