heteronym

noun

het·​ero·​nym ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌnim How to pronounce heteronym (audio)
: one of two or more homographs (such as a bass voice and bass, a fish) that differ in pronunciation and meaning

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heteronym was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near heteronym

Cite this Entry

“Heteronym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heteronym. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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