rhotacize

[ roh-tuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object),rho·ta·cized, rho·ta·ciz·ing.
  1. to change (a sound) to an (r); subject to rhotacism.

  2. to pronounce (a vowel) with r-color.

verb (used without object),rho·ta·cized, rho·ta·ciz·ing.
  1. to undergo rhotacism.

Origin of rhotacize

1
First recorded in 1960–65; rhotac(ism) + -ize
  • Also especially British, rho·ta·cise .

Other words from rhotacize

  • rho·ta·ci·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024