Definitions

1. noun

The elision or omission of a vowel or syllable, especially in Greek or Latin words, or the loss of a sound in the development of a language.

“The linguist studied the process of aphesis in ancient Greek texts.”

2. noun

In phonetics, the process of weakening or dropping a vowel or sound in a word, often resulting in a shorter pronunciation.

“Aphesis occurs in many languages, including English, where it can affect the pronunciation of words like ‘knight’ or ‘debt’.”