Epithesis

//ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs// noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning. countable, uncountable

    "Some linguists distinguish between epenthesis, addition within a word, and epithesis, addition at the end."

  2. 2
    The surgical correction of deformity or of crooked limbs. countable, uncountable
  3. 3
    A splint or other appliance to be worn. countable, uncountable

Example

More examples

"Some linguists distinguish between epenthesis, addition within a word, and epithesis, addition at the end."

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.