dissimilation
/'disimi'leiʃn/
Definition
- Noun:
- A phonological process in linguistics: The change in a sound to become less similar to another nearby sound in the same word, often to make pronunciation easier.
- A biological or metabolic process: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones within a living organism, releasing energy.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Linguistics):
- The change from "pilgrim" (from Latin "peregrinus") involved a dissimilation of the first 'r' to an 'l'.
- Dissimilation often occurs when two similar sounds are too close to each other.
- Noun (Biology):
- Cellular respiration is a key example of dissimilation, converting glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
- The dissimilation of nutrients provides the energy necessary for life processes.
Advanced Usage
- "Dissimilation of liquids": A specific type where 'l' and 'r' sounds influence each other.
- A classic case of dissimilation of liquids is seen in the derivation of "purple" from Latin "purpura".
- "Catabolic dissimilation": Refers specifically to the energy-releasing breakdown of substances in metabolism.
- The catabolic dissimilation of fats yields more energy per gram than carbohydrates.
Variants and Related Words
- Dissimilate (verb): To undergo or cause dissimilation.
- The second 'r' in the word dissimilated to an 'l' over centuries.
- Dissimilatory (adjective): Relating to or causing dissimilation.
- The dissimilatory process in bacteria can reduce sulfate to sulfide.
Synonyms
- Differentiation (for the linguistic sense, in a broader context).
- Catabolism, Breakdown (for the biological sense).
Related Phrases
- Dissimilation rule: A formal description of the sound change in phonology.
- The linguist proposed a new dissimilation rule to explain the historical sound change.
Related Idioms
(This term is highly technical and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)
Noun
-
breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy
-
a linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other
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the Old French MARBRE became the English MARBLE by dissimilation
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