retronym meaning and definition

RETRONYM noun

Definition of retronym (noun)

1. a word introduced because an existing term has become inadequate
   • "Nobody ever heard of analog clocks until digital clocks became common, so `analog clock' is a retronym"
   • "'Acoustic guitar' is a retronym that was created after the invention of the electric guitar."
   • "With the advent of smartphones, the term 'landline' became a common retronym."
   • "The term 'analog watch' is a retronym that came into use after the invention of the digital watch."