Epentheses

/ɛpɛnˈθɛsiz/ noun

Definition

The plural of epenthesis; multiple instances of inserting extra sounds or letters into words.

Etymology

From Greek 'epenthesis' (from 'epi-' 'upon' + 'enthesis' 'insertion'), with the plural formed using the Greek '-es' ending.

Kelly Says

Linguists use the term 'epentheses' to track how languages change—for example, the word 'comfort' used to be pronounced without the 'm' sound, but epentheses added it over centuries!

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