rhotacize

verb

rho·​ta·​cize ˈrō-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce rhotacize (audio)
rhotacized; rhotacizing; rhotacizes

intransitive verb

linguistics
: to undergo or produce rhotacism

Word History

Etymology

rhotac(ism) + -ize, or borrowed from Middle Greek rhōtakízein "to use the letter ρ or the sound r excessively or incorrectly," derivative of rhô "the letter ρ," after *iōtakízein, presupposed by iōtakismós "excessive use of the letter ι," derivative, with -izein -ize, of iôta iota (with -k- of uncertain origin)

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhotacize was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near rhotacize

Cite this Entry

“Rhotacize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhotacize. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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