Breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy

• A linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
In phonology , particularly within historical linguistics , dissimilation is a phenomenon whereby similar consonants or vowels in a word become less similar. For example, when a sound occurs before another in the middle of a word in rhotic dialects of English, ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1874, noun of action from dissimilate .

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other; "the Old French MARBRE became the English MARBLE by dissimilation" breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy [syn: catabolism ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Dissimilation \Dis*sim`i*la"tion\, n. The act of making dissimilar. --H. Sweet.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 The act of dissimilate, of making dissimilar. 2 (context phonology English) A phenomenon whereby similar consonant or vowel sounds in a word become less similar, resulting in a form that is easier for the listener to perceive.