feeding (n.)

A term used in GENERATIVE LINGUISTIC analysis of RULE-ordering and originally introduced in the context of DIACHRONIC PHONOLOGY, to refer to a type of FUNCTIONAL relationship between rules; opposed to BLEEDING. A feeding relationship is one where the application of one rule (A) creates a STRUCTURAL REPRESENTATION to which another rule (B) is applicable, and thus increases (feeds) the number of forms which can be generated. If rule B is X ⇒ Y, then rule A must be of the form W ⇒ X. In these circumstances, rule A is called a feeding rule in relation to B, and the LINEAR ORDER of these rules is called a feeding order. If the rules are applied in the reverse order, A is said to counter-feed B. Counter-feeding results in a non-affecting interaction in which a rule fails to realize its potential to increase the number of forms to which another rule applies.