aphesis

1 of 2

noun

aph·e·sis ˈa-fə-səs

plural apheses ˈa-fə-ˌsēz

: aphaeresis consisting of the loss of a short unaccented vowel (as in lone for alone)

aphetic

ə-ˈfe-tik

adjective

aphetically

ə-ˈfe-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

aphetic

2 of 2

adjective

aphet·ic ə-ˈfe-tik

(ˈ)a-¦fe-

: produced by aphesis or aphaeresis

the aphetic form dobe for adobe

aphetically

ə-ˈfe-ti-k(ə-)lē

(ˈ)a-¦fe-

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Greek, release, from aphienai to let go, from apo- + hienai to send — more at jet

Adjective

Greek aphetos let loose (from aphienai) + English -ic

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of aphesis was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Aphesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphesis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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noun

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