iotacism
(aɪˈəʊtəsɪz(ə)m)
[ad. L. iotacismus, a. Gr. ἰωτακυσµός a laying too much stress upon the ι, repetition of ι, f. ἰῶτα iota.]
Excessive use or repetition of the letter iota or Ι; spec. the pronunciation of other Greek vowels like iota (i.e. as Latin ī or mod.Eng. ee), as in modern Greek: see itacism, and cf. etacism.
| 1656 Blount Glossogr., Iotacism..is when the letter (Ι or Iota) sounds much; as if we say, Juno Jovi irascitur. It is also sometimes taken for an error in pronouncing the letter Ι. 1834 Fraser's Mag. IX. 502 The letter Ι is a great letter. There was a prejudice against it among the Latins, and the Greeks were accused of Iotacism. a 1843 Southey Comm. pl. Bk. IV. 428 In the pronunciation of modern Greek Alfieri says the most melodious language in the world becomes a continual iotacism, like the neighing of a horse. |
So iˈotacist, one who practises iotacism in the pronunciation of Greek; = itacist.