lenite

[ luh-nahyt ]

verb (used without object)

, le·nit·ed, le·nit·ing.

1. to undergo lenition; be pronounced with weakened articulation, as when the consonant sound p changes to b, b to v, or v to w.

verb (used with object)

, le·nit·ed, le·nit·ing.

1. to cause (a consonant sound) to lenite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lenite¹

First recorded in 1910–15; back formation from lenition