loanshift

noun

: a change in the meaning of a word under the influence of another language (as when a word meaning "pedal extremity" acquires also the meaning "12-inch unit of length" under the influence of English "foot")
also : a word that has undergone such a change in meaning : calque sense 1

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Cite this Entry

“Loanshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loanshift. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

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