umlaut

/ˈʊm.laʊt/noun
High SchoolNot in standard dictionaries
1

An assimilatory process whereby a vowel is pronounced more like a following vocoid that is separated by one or more consonants.

2

The umlaut process (as above) that occurred historically in Germanic languages whereby back vowels became front vowels when followed by syllable containing a front vocoid (e.g. Germanic lūsiz > Old English lȳs(i) > Modern English lice).

3

A vowel so assimilated.

4

The diacritical mark ( ¨ ) placed over a vowel when it indicates a (rounded) front vowel

5

Synonym of diaeresis.

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