zero grade

noun

linguistics
: the most reduced form of the weak ablaut grade in which the vowel disappears entirely

Word History

Etymology

translation of German Nullstufe

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zero grade was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near zero grade

Cite this Entry

“Zero grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20grade. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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