Meaning & Definition of word "Geminate"

noun:

• 1. A geminate consonant, which is a consonant that is pronounced for a longer duration.
  • Example: In Italian, the word 'petto' contains a geminate 't' that is distinctly longer than the single consonant.

verb:

• 1. To double or duplicate, particularly in the context of sounds or letters in linguistics.
  • Example: In phonetics, the geminate consonants are pronounced with greater length than their singleton counterparts.
• 2. To sprout or grow in a paired manner.
  • Example: The seeds geminate in pairs, producing two shoots from each.