verb (used with object), dis·sim·i·lat·ed, dis·sim·i·lat·ing. Phonetics.
- to modify by dissimilation.
verb
- to make or become dissimilar
- (usually foll by to) phonetics to change or displace (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed to or displaced by (another consonant) so that its manner of articulation becomes less similar to a speech sound in the same word. Thus (r) in the final syllable of French marbre is dissimilated to (l) in its English form marble
“make different,” 1821, from dis- + Latin similis on model of assimilate. Related: Dissimilated; dissimilating; dissimilation (1806).