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diachrony

[ dahy-ak-ruh-nee ]

noun

, plural di·ach·ro·nies.
  1. historical change.
  2. Linguistics.
    1. the study of a linguistic system through comparison of different points in its history; a diachronic approach to language study: Compare synchrony ( def 2 ).

      The analysis emphasizes diachrony as a means for understanding sound systems.

    2. change or development in a linguistic system over a period of time:

      The diachrony of the language suggests that the bare form was the original.



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Word History and Origins

Origin of diachrony1

First recorded in 1955–60; diachron(ic) + -y 3

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diachronismdiachylon