metalanguage

[ met-uh-lang-gwij ]

noun

1. any language or symbolic system used to discuss, describe, or analyze another language or symbolic system.

metalanguage

/ ˈmɛtəˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ /

noun

1. See object language, natural language, formal language
   a language or system of symbols used to discuss another language or system See also formal language natural language Compare object language

Word History and Origins

Origin of metalanguage¹

First recorded in 1935–40; meta- + language