Allomorph

/ˈæləmɔːrf/
noun

One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

In English, the plural morpheme can appear as 'allomorphs' like '-s', '-es', and '-en'.
Visual representation of "allomorph" - One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

Often appears as...

  • 'allomorphs of a morpheme'
  • 'inflectional allomorphs'

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

noun

Different forms of the same chemical compound that occur in the same phase.

Diamond and graphite are allomorphs of carbon.
Visual representation of "allomorph" - Different forms of the same chemical compound that occur in the same phase.

Often appears as...

  • 'allomorphs of carbon'
  • 'allomorphs of phosphorus'

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

noun

One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

In English, the plural morpheme can appear as 'allomorphs' like '-s', '-es', and '-en'.
Visual representation of "allomorph" - One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

Often appears as...

  • 'allomorphs of a morpheme'
  • 'inflectional allomorphs'

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

noun

Different forms of the same chemical compound that occur in the same phase.

Diamond and graphite are allomorphs of carbon.
Visual representation of "allomorph" - Different forms of the same chemical compound that occur in the same phase.

Often appears as...

  • 'allomorphs of carbon'
  • 'allomorphs of phosphorus'

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "allomorph"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Variation Clues

Allomorphs can signal word variation, like singular to plural, without changing meaning.

Illustration for Variation Clues
The words 'cat' and 'cats' use different allomorphs for the plural form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Guide

Be aware of pronunciation changes; some allomorphs affect how words sound.

Illustration for Pronunciation Guide
'Boxes' has an extra syllable as an allomorph of the '-s' plural marker.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Interchangeable

Allomorphs aren't interchangeable; they're used in specific grammatical contexts.

Illustration for Not Interchangeable
We use '-en' in 'children', not '-s', as its plural allomorph.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Variation Clues

Allomorphs can signal word variation, like singular to plural, without changing meaning.

Illustration for Variation Clues
The words 'cat' and 'cats' use different allomorphs for the plural form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Guide

Be aware of pronunciation changes; some allomorphs affect how words sound.

Illustration for Pronunciation Guide
'Boxes' has an extra syllable as an allomorph of the '-s' plural marker.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Interchangeable

Allomorphs aren't interchangeable; they're used in specific grammatical contexts.

Illustration for Not Interchangeable
We use '-en' in 'children', not '-s', as its plural allomorph.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Variation Clues

Allomorphs can signal word variation, like singular to plural, without changing meaning.

Illustration for Variation Clues
The words 'cat' and 'cats' use different allomorphs for the plural form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Guide

Be aware of pronunciation changes; some allomorphs affect how words sound.

Illustration for Pronunciation Guide
'Boxes' has an extra syllable as an allomorph of the '-s' plural marker.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Interchangeable

Allomorphs aren't interchangeable; they're used in specific grammatical contexts.

Illustration for Not Interchangeable
We use '-en' in 'children', not '-s', as its plural allomorph.
Visual representation of the word "Allomorph"

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