dissimilation

Definitions of dissimilation
  1. noun
    a linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other
    “the Old French MARBRE became the English MARBLE by dissimilation”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    linguistic process
    a process involved in human language
  2. noun
    breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy
    synonyms: catabolism, destructive metabolism, katabolism
    see moresee less
    type of:
    biological process, organic process
    a process occurring in living organisms
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 ‘dissimilation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family