(MET-uh-plaz-uhm)
noun
A change in a word, for example by adding, omitting, inverting, or transposing its letters, syllables, or sounds.
Etymology
From Middle English metaplasmus, from Latin, from Greek metaplasmos (remodeling), from metaplassein (to remold) from meta- + plassein (to mold)
Metaplasm is a generic term for almost any kind of alteration in a word. It can be intentional, to produce a poetic effect, to fit a meter or rhyme. Or it can be unintentional -- one we hear quite often nowadays is nucular for nuclear. Some other examples are oft for often, rithmetic for arithmetic, libary for library, sherbert for sherbet.
Usage
"It is a kind of metaplasm, in this case the addition of a medial syllable, as in people who say 'realator' instead of 'realtor.'" — Zay N. Smith, Filmmakers Cutting Away at Their Rights?, The Chicago Sun-Times, Sep 29, 2002.
"So I said, `I'm going to write a letter. The world is getting too sensitive. Anybody who thinks otherwise needs to have his dog-gone brain examined.' `Good idea,' said my sensitive friend, `but avoid using that metaplasm...'" — Richard A. Zidonis, Proper Address of the Question, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), Nov 8, 1991.
