heteronym

Definition

A word having the same spelling as another but a different meaning, and, often, a different pronunciation.

Etymology

Coined around 1900, either from hetero- (“different”) + -onym (“name”) or from Ancient Greek ἑτερώνυμος (heterṓnumos), or perhaps both.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: heterophone, homograph"
• "The word lead (/ˈlɛd/), for the metal, and lead (/ˈliːd/), for a leash, are heteronyms."
• "The word agape, "astonished" or "wide open," is a heteronym of agape, "Christian love.""

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