palatalization

noun

pal·​a·​tal·​i·​za·​tion ˌpa-lə-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce palatalization (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being palatalized
2
: an act or instance of palatalizing an utterance
in rapid speech the \t\ in got undergoes palatalization before you to yield \ˈgächə\

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of palatalization was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near palatalization

Cite this Entry

“Palatalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palatalization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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