rhotacize

[ roh-tuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, rho·ta·cized, rho·ta·ciz·ing.

1. to change (a sound) to an (r); subject to rhotacism.
2. to pronounce (a vowel) with r-color.

verb (used without object)

, rho·ta·cized, rho·ta·ciz·ing.

1. to undergo rhotacism.

Other Words From

• rhota·ci·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhotacize¹

First recorded in 1960–65; rhotac(ism) + -ize