epithesis

E1P3I1T1H4E1S1I1S1
/ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/

noun

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

Similar
paragoge
OriginAncient Greek ἐπίθεσις →
Scrabble 14
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Meanings

nounepithesis (countable and uncountable, plural epitheses)

plural epitheses

  1. countableuncountablehuman sciencesThe addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning.

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

    1972, Bruce L. Liles, Linguistics and the English Language: A Transformational Approach

    Synonyms: paragoge

  2. countableuncountablemedicineThe surgical correction of deformity or of crooked limbs.
  3. countableuncountablemedicineA splint or other appliance to be worn.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning.

Similar
paragoge
Also see
paragoge

Origin

  1. Ancient Greekἐπίθεσις
  2. Englishepithesis

From Ancient Greek ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis).

More words from Ancient Greek

Full word history & related roots →

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with epithesis

thesiskinesiscytokinesismimesisdiuresisarthrodesisnatriuresisdiaphoresisanuresisascesisathetesisautonoesisbiokinesiscryokinesis-desisdiegesisparasympathomimesispedesispleurodesisschesissympathomimesissyndesissynizesistmesis
All rhymes →
Cite this entry
APA

epithesis. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epithesis

MLA

“epithesis.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epithesis. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “epithesis,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epithesis.

Source: epithesis on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.