back-formation

Definitions of back-formation
  1. noun
    a word invented (usually unwittingly by subtracting an affix) on the assumption that a familiar word derives from it
    see moresee less
    type of:
    word
    a unit of language that native speakers can identify
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘back-formation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family