Definition of hypocorism

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hy·poc·o·rism    (h-pk-rzm, hp-kôrzm, -kr-) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A name of endearment; a pet name.
2. The use of such names.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin hypocorisma, from Greek hupokorisma, from hupokorizesthai, to call by endearing names : hypo-, beneath, secretly ; see hypo- + korizesthai, to caress (from koros, boy, and or kor, girl; see ker-² in Indo-European roots )

OTHER FORMS:
hypo·co·ristic  (hp-k-rstk) KEY (Adjective)(Noun), hypo·co·risti·cal·ly(Adverb)