1. The loss or omission of a sound or letter at the beginning of a word, especially in the historical development of a language.
Usage: linguistics; also spelled 'aphesis'
2. In medicine, the removal of a component from blood plasma, typically used in therapeutic procedures.
Usage: medical; also called 'apheresis'

Examples

• The word 'squire' underwent aphaeresis from the original 'esquire'.
• In Old English, aphaeresis affected many words that began with unstressed vowels.
• Linguistic aphaeresis is common in the evolution of Romance languages from Latin.
• The patient underwent aphaeresis to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
• Therapeutic aphaeresis is used to treat certain autoimmune conditions.
• Aphaeresis can be observed in the development of English words over centuries.