epentheses
|e-pen-the-ses|
🇺🇸
/ɪˈpɛnθəsɪz/
🇬🇧
/ɪˈpenθəsɪz/
(epenthesis)
insertion into a word
Etymology
'epenthesis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epénthesis' (ἐπένθεσις), where 'epi-' meant 'on/in addition' and the root related to 'putting' meant 'to put in'.
'epenthesis' passed into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'epenthesis' and was borrowed into English in the 17th century retaining the form and meaning.
Initially, it meant 'the act of inserting (a sound or letter)', and over time it has retained that core meaning in modern linguistic usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'epenthesis': the insertion of one or more sounds or letters into a word or phrase (in phonology or orthography).
Epentheses are common when speakers insert a vowel to break up a difficult consonant cluster.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/20 14:49