apheresis etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "apheresis" is derived from the Greek words "apo" (meaning "away") and "hairesis" (meaning "taking"). It literally means "a taking away." In linguistic terms, it refers to the omission or loss of one or more sounds at the beginning of a word or phrase.

Origin

The concept of apheresis has been recognized in linguistics for centuries. It was first discussed by ancient Greek grammarians, such as Dionysius Thrax (circa 100 BC), who described it as one of the processes involved in word formation. In the 18th century, British linguist John Wallis introduced the term "apheresis" into English linguistic terminology.

Uses and Examples

Apheresis is a common linguistic phenomenon that occurs in both spoken and written language. It can result from various factors, such as assimilation, elision, or historical sound changes. Here are some examples of apheresis:

  • Omission of initial vowels:
    • "gonna" (going to)
    • "'bout" (about)
    • "'nuff" (enough)
  • Omission of initial consonants:
    • "scape" (escape)
    • "'Scuse" (excuse me)
    • "lone" (alone)
  • Omission of initial syllables:
    • "rent" (apartment)
    • "flu" (influenza)
    • "scope" (telescope)

Apheresis can also occur in the context of medical procedures, where it refers to the removal of a specific component from a fluid or tissue. For example, plasmapheresis involves the removal of plasma from blood.

apheresis relate terms

  • heresy

    Etymology The word heresy is derived from the Old French hérésie which in turn co

  • sect

    Etymology The word sect is derived from the Latin word secta meaning a cutting or

  • aphetic

    Meaning Aphetic etymology refers to the process of deriving a word from another word by

  • apheresis

    Etymology and Meaning The word apheresis is derived from the Greek words apo meaning

  • squire

    Etymology The word squire comes from the Old French word escuier which in turn deri

  • venture

    Etymology The word venture derives from the Old French word aventure which originat

  • taint

    Etymology From Middle English teynte teint from Anglo Norman teint from Old French t

  • spite

    Etymology The word spite comes from the Middle English word spit meaning contempt

  • tire

    Etymology The word tire comes from the Old French word tirer meaning to pull Thi

  • tail

    Etymology Origin Middle English taile Latin talea meaning a cutting a slice

  • tend

    Etymology The word tend comes from the Middle English word tenden which in turn com

  • stablish

    Etymology Establish comes from the Old French word establir which is of Germanic origi

  • prentice

    Etymology The name Prentice originates from Old French prentice meaning apprentice

  • omission

    Etymology From Middle English omission from Latin omissio from the verb omittere to

  • dialysis

    Etymology The word dialysis originates from the Greek word dialusis meaning to diss

  • plague

    Etymology The word plague comes from the Latin word plaga which means blow or wo

  • freedom

    Etymology Middle English fredom from Old English frēodōm n state of being free

  • evil

    Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

  • empty

    Etymology The word empty comes from the Middle English word emty which in turn is d

  • anatomy

    Etymology Ana Greek prefix meaning upwards apart or through Tome Greek root

  • apprehension

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense act of arresting or seizing via Old