aphesis

Definition

The loss of the initial unstressed vowel of a word.

Etymology

Attested since 1880. Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ἄφεσις (áphesis, “letting go”), from ἀφίημι (aphíēmi), from ἀπό (apó, “off”) + ἵημι (híēmi, “send forth”).

Example Sentences

• "The word "scarp" is derived from "escarp" by aphesis."

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