heteronym

American  

[het-er-uh-nim] / ˈhɛt ər ə nɪm /

noun

1. a word spelled the same as another but having a different sound and meaning, as lead (to conduct) and lead (a metal).

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heteronym British  

/ ˈhɛtərəʊˌnɪm, ˌhɛtəˈrɒnɪməs /

noun

1. one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike Compare homograph

   the two English words spelt ``bow'' are heteronyms

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• heteronymous
  adjective
• heteronymously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of heteronym

From the Late Greek word heterṓnymos, dating back to 1880–85. See hetero-, -onym

Explanation

Heteronyms are words that look the same but have different sounds and meanings. See if you can spot the heteronyms in this sentence: "She got a bull's eye with her bow and arrow, then took a triumphant bow." Heteronym is derived from the Greek heteros, "different," and onoma, "name." English is full of these confusing words, which language learners have to deduce from their context. "Don't stand too close while I close the door." Close, meaning "near," and close, meaning "shut," are heteronyms. "When I tear my favorite jeans, I shed a tear or two." Tear, meaning "rip," and tear, the drop that slides down your cheek when you're sad, are heteronyms, too.

Example Sentences

Heteronym, het′er-o-nim, n. a word spelled like another, but with a different sound and meaning, as lead, to guide; lead, the metal.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various