v. aug·ment·ed, aug·ment·ing, aug·ments v.tr. 1. To make (something already developed or well under way) greater, as in size, extent, or quantity: Continuing rains augmented the floodwaters. See Synonyms at increase. 2. Linguistics To add an augment to. v.intr. To become augmented. n. (ôgmĕnt′) Linguistics The prefixation of a vowel accompanying a past tense, especially of Greek and Sanskrit verbs. [Middle English augmenten, from Old French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentāre, from Latin augmentum, an increase, from augēre, to increase; see aug- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] aug·menta·ble adj. aug·menter n. |
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