The insertion of an extra sound or letter into a word, either naturally during speech or as a language changes over time.
From Greek 'epi-' (upon) + 'enthesis' (insertion, from 'entithenai' meaning 'to insert'), literally meaning 'putting upon or inserting.'
The word 'hamster' has experienced epenthesis—it originally came from German 'Hamster,' but English speakers unconsciously added the extra 'p' sound, showing how our mouths reshape words naturally!
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