: a parallel and sometimes less important form of a word, stem, or formative element in a given language or dialect

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by-form was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near by-form

Cite this Entry

“By-form.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by-form. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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