dissimilation

noun

dis·​sim·​i·​la·​tion (ˌ)di-ˌsi-mə-ˈlā-shən 

: the change or omission of one of two identical or closely related sounds in a word

Word History

Etymology

dissimil(ate) + -ation

First Known Use

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dissimilation

noun

dis·​sim·​i·​la·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌim-ə-ˈlā-shən 

: catabolism

dissimilate

(ˈ)dis-ˈim-ə-ˌlāt 

transitive verb

dissimilated; dissimilating

dissimilative

-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective

dissimilatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective