Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics

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Rhotacism
(597 words)

Abstract

The term rhotacism refers to the replacement of a non [r] sound with [r], in the case of Greek referring to the rare change [s] > [r] intervocalically and word-finally.  

The term rhotacism refers to the replacement of a non [r] sound with [r]; more specifically in the case of Greek this phenomenon refers to the change [s] > [r] intervocalically and less commonly in word-final position. The term derives ultimately from the name of the Greek letter ‘rho’ (cf. the linguistic term ‘rhotic’).

The change of s > r occurred primarily in two Greek d…

Cite this page
Jesse Lundquist, “Rhotacism”, in: Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics, General Editor: Georgios K. Giannakis. Consulted online on 26 March 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2214-448X_eagll_SIM_00000526>
First published online: 2013



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