metathesis
the transposition of letters, syllables, or sounds in a word, as in the pronunciation [kuhmf-ter-buhl] /ˈkʌmf tər bəl/ for comfortable or [aks] /æks/ for ask.
Chemistry. double decomposition.
Origin of metathesis
1Other words from metathesis
- met·a·thet·ic [met-uh-thet-ik], /ˌmɛt əˈθɛt ɪk/, met·a·thet·i·cal, adjective
Words Nearby metathesis
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How to use metathesis in a sentence
metathesis of r is seen in undren 205, in loruerde 103 the scribe has added r by anticipation.
The living speech is further characterized by innumerable cases of consonantal metathesis and by parasitic nasalization.
It seems probable that the word asp in river-names is formed by metathesis from the word aps, p. 27, form 5.
The River-Names of Europe | Robert FergusonMo and do are here changed, by metathesis and the substitution of one broad vowel for another, into am and ad.
Elements of Gaelic Grammar | Alexander StewartSometimes he lightened the pronunciation by metathesis, as he did when he pronounced interpretor as interpertor.
The Common People of Ancient Rome | Frank Frost Abbott
British Dictionary definitions for metathesis
/ (mɪˈtæθəsɪs) /
the transposition of two sounds or letters in a word
chem another name for double decomposition
Origin of metathesis
1Derived forms of metathesis
- metathetic (ˌmɛtəˈθɛtɪk) or metathetical, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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