heteronym

[ het-er-uh-nim ]
/ ˈhɛt ər ə nɪm /

noun

a word spelled the same as another but having a different sound and meaning, as lead (to conduct) and lead (a metal).

Origin of heteronym

From the Late Greek word heterṓnymos, dating back to 1880–85. See hetero-, -onym

Words nearby heteronym

heteromorphosis, heteromorphous, heteronomous, heteronomy, heteronormative, heteronym, heteronymous, heteronymous diplopia, heteronymous hemianopsia, heteroousian, heteropathy

British Dictionary definitions for heteronym

heteronym
/ (ˈhɛtərəʊˌnɪm) /

noun

one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike the two English words spelt ``bow'' are heteronyms Compare homograph

Derived forms of heteronym

heteronymous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒnɪməs), adjective heteronymously, adverb

Word Origin for heteronym

C17: from Late Greek heteronumos, from Greek hetero- + onoma name