noun

apheresis

uh-FER-uh-sis (linguistics); af-uh-REE-sis (medicine)

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Apheresis (noun) means In linguistics, apheresis is the loss of a sound or syllable from the beginning of a word. Example: “The word special developed by apheresis from especial.”

noun

linguistics In linguistics, apheresis is the loss of a sound or syllable from the beginning of a word.

"The word special developed by apheresis from especial."

"Some regional accents drop initial sounds through apheresis in casual speech."

"Linguists cite apheresis as one way that everyday words get shortened over time."

medicine In medicine, apheresis is a procedure in which blood is taken from a patient, a component such as platelets is separated out, and the rest of the blood is returned to them.

"The donor underwent apheresis so that only platelets were collected."

"Apheresis lets doctors gather specific blood components without taking a full unit of blood."

"She had regular apheresis sessions as part of her treatment."

How to use apheresis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the dropping of a word's first sound, or a medical procedure that filters something out of blood.

When to use it

The linguistic sense is used in academic writing, while the medical sense is used in clinical settings.

Memory tip

In British and Canadian English the spelling aphaeresis is also common, so expect to see both forms.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aphaeresis

Common pairings

undergo apheresis an apheresis procedure apheresis donor by apheresis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “apheresis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The word special developed by _____ from especial.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin apheresis, itself from Ancient Greek aphairesis, meaning a taking away. It derives from a Greek verb meaning to take or snatch away, with the grammatical sense developing later in Latin.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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pheresis hemapheresis

Rhymes for apheresis

thesis nemesis genesis exegesis diaeresis anamnesis synthesis antithesis epenthesis hypothesis prosthesis abiogenesis

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Frequently asked questions

What does apheresis mean in linguistics?

It means the dropping of a sound from the start of a word, as happened when especial became special.

What does apheresis mean in medicine?

It is a procedure that removes blood, separates out a component such as platelets, and returns the remaining blood to the patient.

Is apheresis the same as a blood transfusion?

No, apheresis involves taking blood out, filtering out a component, and giving the rest back, rather than adding blood to the body.

What is the meaning of apheresis?

"apheresis" (noun) means in linguistics, apheresis is the loss of a sound or syllable from the beginning of a word.