excrescent

English

Etymology

From Latin excrēscēns, present participle of excrēscō.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɪkˈskɹɛs(ə)nt/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛsənt

Noun

excrescent (plural excrescents)

1. A growing mutation, usually abnormal.
2. (historical linguistics) A sound in a word without etymological reason.

   "B" in "nimble" is an excrescent.

Related terms

• excrescence

Adjective

excrescent (comparative more excrescent, superlative most excrescent)

1. Growing out in an abnormal or morbid manner or as a superfluity.
   • 1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: Printed for J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:

     Expunge the whole, or lop th' excrescent parts.