excrescent

English

Etymology

From Latin excrēscēns, present participle of excrēscō.

Noun

excrescent (plural excrescents)

  1. Something growing, usually abnormally, out of something else.
  2. (phonetics) A sound in a word without etymological reason.
    "B" in "nimble" is an excrescent.

Adjective

excrescent (comparative more excrescent, superlative most excrescent)

  1. Growing out in an abnormal or morbid manner or as a superfluity.
    • Alexander Pope
      Expunge the whole, or lop th' excrescent parts.
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