anaphalantiasis
|a-na-pha-lan-ti-a-sis|
/ˌænəˌfælænˈtaɪəsɪs/
omission of initial 'a' (alpha)
Etymology
'anaphalantiasis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anaphalantiasis,' where 'ana-' meant 'up' or 'again' and 'phalantiasis' referred to the omission of 'alpha.'
'anaphalantiasis' was used in ancient Greek grammatical studies and entered English scholarly vocabulary in the 19th century, retaining its original form.
Initially, it meant 'the omission of alpha at the beginning of a word,' and this meaning has remained unchanged in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the omission of the letter 'a' (alpha) from the beginning of a word, especially in ancient Greek poetry.
Anaphalantiasis occurs in some lines of Homeric verse.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/29 17:06