consonant shift

noun

: a set of regular changes in consonant articulation in the history of a language or dialect:
a
: such a set affecting the Indo-European stops (see stop entry 2 sense 9) and distinguishing the Germanic languages from the other Indo-European languages compare grimm's law
b
: such a set affecting the Germanic stops and distinguishing High German from the other Germanic languages

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consonant shift was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near consonant shift

Cite this Entry

“Consonant shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consonant%20shift. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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