SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

affrication

noun
Save Word
af·​fri·​ca·​tion | \ ˌa-fri-ˈkā-shən \
plural -s

Definition of affrication

: conversion (of a simple stop sound) into an affricate

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of affrication

1878, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for affrication

borrowed from German Affrikation, borrowed from Late Latin adfricātiōn-, adfricātiō, affricātiōn-, affricātiō “rubbing (of parts of the body),” from Latin affricāre “to rub (one thing against another)” + -tiōn-, -tiō, noun suffix

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about affrication

Time Traveler for affrication

Time Traveler

The first known use of affrication was in 1878

See more words from the same year

Statistics for affrication

Cite this Entry

“Affrication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affrication. Accessed 24 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on affrication

What made you want to look up affrication? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

fathom

Listen to the pronunciation of fathom

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games