gemination

/dʒɛmɪˈneɪʃən/

Definitions

1. noun

The process of a sound or speech sound becoming longer or more prolonged, often as a result of a mutation in language.

“The linguist studied the gemination of consonant sounds in the ancient language.”

2. noun

A prolongation of a sound, especially a consonant sound, in speech or language.

“Gemination is often used to distinguish between similar words in a language.”

Synonyms

  • lengthening
  • mutation
  • prolongation

Antonyms

  • contraction
  • shortening