Back-formation
WordNet
noun
(1) A word invented (usually unwittingly by subtracting an affix) on the assumption that a familiar word derives from it
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Coined by James Murray; +
Noun
- The process by which a new word is formed by removing a morpheme (real or perceived) of an older word, such as the verb burgle, formed by removing -ar (perceived as a suffix forming an agent noun) from burglar.
- A word created in this way.
- Back-formations, such as "tambour" (for "play the tambourine"), are a staple of comedic wordplay.