metaplasms
/ˈmɛtəˌplæzəmz/
noun
- Changes made to the form of a word, such as adding, removing, or rearranging letters or sounds, often for poetic or grammatical effect.
- In some dialects, metaplasms occur naturally when speakers drop the 'g' in words like 'running'.
- The poet used metaplasms like adding an extra syllable to fit the meter.
- Learning about metaplasms helps students understand how words evolve over time.