epenthesis

[uh-pen-thuh-sis]

noun

plural

epentheses 

1. the insertion of one or more sounds in the middle of a word, as the schwa in the nonstandard pronunciation of elm.

epenthesis

/ ˌɛpɛnˈθɛtɪk, ɛˈpɛnθɪsɪs /

noun

1. the insertion of a sound or letter into a word

Other Word Forms

• epenthetic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epenthesis¹

1650–60; < Late Latin: insertion of a letter < Greek epénthesis equivalent to ep- ep- + en- en- ² + thésis placing; thesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of epenthesis¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from epentithenai to insert, from _epi- + _en- ² + tithenai to place

Example Sentences

Some of these arise from the umlaut or epenthesis which is so prevalent, and which we have already seen in airya- as compared with the Skt. �rya.

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But epenthesis of a consonant is more common, especially b or p after m, and d after n.

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This, by an aphaeresis of tau and an epenthesis of omicron in two places, may be identified with echonoe, and signifies 'that which has mind.'

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