Heteroclital

/ˌhɛtərəˈklɪtəl/ adjective

Definition

Irregular or anomalous in form or structure, especially in grammar or biology.

Etymology

From Greek heteroclitos (irregular), combining hetero- (different) + klitos (inflected). Originally a linguistic term for verbs that don't follow normal conjugation patterns.

Kelly Says

English irregular verbs like 'go-went-gone' are heteroclital—they break all the normal rules, which is why children learning to speak say 'goed' before they master the actual irregular form!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.