back formation

American  

noun

Linguistics.

1. the analogical creation of one word from another word that appears to be a derived or inflected form of the first by dropping the apparent affix or by modification.

2. a word so formed, as typewrite from typewriter.

---

back formation British  

noun

1. the invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs edit and burgle were so created from editor and burglar

2. a word formed by this process

---

Etymology

Origin of back formation

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

For instance, Neal plays weakside linebacker when the Seahawks go with a three-safety, six-defensive back formation, or what is commonly called a “dime” defense, with Jones entering as the third safety.

From Seattle Times

Shane O’Neill shifted over to fill Yeimar’s spot in the three center back formation — teaming with Xavier Arreaga and AB Cissoko — but Seattle’s season-long stingy defense was charitable to Houston.

From Seattle Times

The Arsenal manager had spent much of the eve of this contest suggesting the time had come to ditch the three at the back formation he had adopted in the wake of the 3-0 loss last season, bemoaning the fact his team “didn’t score enough goals away from home,” with their play “a bit too lateral”.

From The Guardian

As a noun it means “an individual having reproductive organs or external sexual characteristics of both male and female.” Dictionary.com traces its origins back to 1915, as the back formation of “intersexual.”

From Washington Times

Despite the fact that only 5,000 users have picked a five-at-the back formation, the most 11 popular players selected only fit into that more defensive option.

From BBC