lenition

noun

len·​i·​tion lə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce lenition (audio)
: the change from fortis to lenis articulation

Word History

Etymology

Latin lenire

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lenition was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near lenition

Cite this Entry

“Lenition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenition. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lenition

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!