Definition of augment

< augite

augmentation >

aug·ment    (ôg-mnt) KEY 

VERB:
aug·ment·ed, aug·ment·ing, aug·ments
VERB:
tr.

1. To make (something already developed or well under way) greater, as in size, extent, or quantity: Continuing rains augmented the floodwaters.
2. Linguistics To add an augment to.

VERB:
intr.

To become augmented. See Synonyms at increase.

NOUN:
(ôgmnt)

Linguistics The prefixation of a vowel accompanying a past tense, especially of Greek and Sanskrit verbs.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English augmenten, from Old French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentre, from Latin augmentum, an increase, from augre, to increase; see aug- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
aug·menta·ble(Adjective), aug·menter(Noun)