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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rhotacize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhotacize. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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