Definition of "heteronym" in English

noun

1. (linguistics) A word having the same spelling as another but a different meaning, and, often, a different pronunciation.

   • Near-synonyms: heterophone, homograph
   • The word lead (/ˈlɛd/), for the metal, and lead (/ˈliːd/), for a leash, are heteronyms.
   • The word agape, "astonished" or "wide open," is a heteronym of agape, "Christian love."

2. (literature) A fictitious character created by an author for the purpose of writing in a different style.