betacism

English

Etymology

From beta +‎ -cism (phenomenon related to a specific phoneme).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈbiːtəsɪzəm/

Noun

betacism (usually uncountable, plural betacisms)

  1. (phonology) A sound change in which [b] (the voiced bilabial plosive) shifts to [v] (the voiced labiodental fricative).
    Betacism is a fairly common phenomenon: it has taken place in Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, and some Portuguese dialects, among others.
  2. A speech disorder involving excessive use of the [b] sound, or conversion of other sounds into it.
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