Apheresis (Noun)
Meaning 1
A procedure in which blood is drawn and separated into its components by dialysis; some are retained and the rest are returned to the donor by transfusion.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
(linguistics) omission at the beginning of a word as in `coon' for `raccoon' or `till' for `until'.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The process of apheresis has resulted in many shortened words in the English language, such as "coon" from "raccoon".
- The omission of the initial syllable in "till" is an example of apheresis, as it originated from "until".
- Apheresis is a common linguistic process that has led to the creation of many informal or colloquial words.
- The word "lop" is an example of apheresis, as it is a shortened form of "gallop" or "wallop".
- The apheresis of "ne'er" from "never" is an example of how this process can result in a distinct change in pronunciation and spelling.