[as.so.nance] n [F, fr. L assonare to answer with the same sound, fr. ad- + sonare to sound, fr. sonus sound--more at sound] (1727) 1: resemblance of sound in words or syllables
2. a: relatively close juxtaposition of similar sounds esp. of vowels b: repetition of vowels without repetition of consonants (as in stony and holy) used as an alternative to rhyme in verse -- as.so.nant adj or n -- as.so.nant.al adj