hyperadaptation

English

Etymology

From hyper- +‎ adaptation.

Noun

hyperadaptation (usually uncountable, plural hyperadaptations)

1. (biology) A greater than normal (evolutionary) adaptation.
2. (linguistics):
   1. The overapplication of phonological adaptations from one language variety to another beyond what is justified by the etymological correspondences between the two varieties, resulting in artificial, ahistorical forms that are not part of either variety; sometimes done as a form of exaggeration for stylistic effect.
   2. A term coined via this process.

      Synonyms: hyperdialectism, hyperdialectalism