Definition of "velarize"

velarize

/ˈviːləɹaɪz/

verb
third-person singular simple present velarizes, present participle velarizing, simple past and past participle velarized
1. (phonology) To raise the back of the tongue toward the velum while articulating another consonant, such as the l of English pool.
2. (phonology) To replace a (usually more front) consonant with a velar.