metaplasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareAcademic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “metaplasm” mean?
A term in rhetoric and linguistics referring to a change in the form of a word, often for poetic or stylistic effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term in rhetoric and linguistics referring to a change in the form of a word, often for poetic or stylistic effect.
In modern biological contexts, it can refer to an abnormal change in the structure or substance of a cell or tissue, but this usage is highly specialized and rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and academic in both varieties.
Connotations
Solely academic; carries connotations of classical scholarship, historical linguistics, or antiquated biological theory.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, found almost exclusively in specialised academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “metaplasm” in a Sentence
The [rhetorical figure] is a classic example of metaplasm.Scholars [verb: analyse/discuss] the use of metaplasm in [text].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metaplasm” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metaplasmic changes in the manuscript were carefully catalogued.
- He identified a metaplasmic form of the verb.
American English
- The metaplasmic variants were noted by the editor.
- This is a metaplasmic construction common in Middle English.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in historical linguistics, classical rhetoric, and the history of literary criticism to describe deliberate alterations in word form (e.g., 'tis for it is).
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Rarely used in obsolete biological contexts referring to degenerative change in cell matter.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metaplasm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metaplasm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metaplasm”
- Using it to mean 'metaphor' or 'metonymy'.
- Assuming it has a common modern usage.
- Misspelling as 'metaplazm' or 'metaplasia' (the latter is a distinct medical term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare term used almost exclusively in academic contexts related to historical linguistics, rhetoric, or literary analysis.
No, standard usage does not include a verb form. The related adjective 'metaplasmic' is occasionally used.
A metaplasm is a change in the *form* of a word (its letters or sounds), while a metaphor is a change in its *meaning*, based on analogy or comparison.
It is highly unlikely. Knowledge of this word is typically limited to specialists in linguistics, classical studies, or very well-read individuals in the humanities.
A term in rhetoric and linguistics referring to a change in the form of a word, often for poetic or stylistic effect.
Metaplasm is usually academic/technical in register.
Metaplasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəˌplæz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdəˌplæzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'META change in the PLA-SM (plasm/form)' of a word.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS CLAY (it can be shaped and altered for effect).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metaplasm' most accurately and currently used?