DISSIMILATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dissimilation mean? 

• DISSIMILATION (noun)
  The noun DISSIMILATION has 2 senses:

1. a linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other

2. breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy

  Familiarity information: DISSIMILATION used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DISSIMILATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Context example:

the Old French MARBRE became the English MARBLE by dissimilation

Hypernyms ("dissimilation" is a kind of...):

linguistic process (a process involved in human language)

Derivation:

dissimilate (become dissimilar or less similar)

dissimilate (become dissimilar by changing the sound qualities)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

catabolism; destructive metabolism; dissimilation; katabolism

Hypernyms ("dissimilation" is a kind of...):

biological process; organic process (a process occurring in living organisms)

Holonyms ("dissimilation" is a part of...):

metabolic process; metabolism (the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life)