synonymy

[ si-non-uh-mee ]

noun

, plural syn·on·y·mies

1. the quality of being synonymous; equivalence in meaning.
2. the study of synonyms.
3. a set, list, or system of synonyms.
4. Biology. a list of the scientific names, with explanatory matter and location of type or types, for a particular taxonomic group.

synonymy

/ sɪˈnɒnɪmɪ /

noun

1. the study of synonyms
2. the character of being synonymous; equivalence
3. a list or collection of synonyms, esp one in which their meanings are discriminated
4. biology a collection of the synonyms of a species or group

Word History and Origins

Origin of synonymy¹

1600–10; < Late Latin synōnymia < Greek synōnymía. See synonymous, -y ³

Example Sentences

Nine species that previously have been recognized as valid have been placed in synonymy.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the specific distinctions are purely microscopic, the synonymy beyond Rostafinski is mainly conjectural.

From Project Gutenberg

Fisher's synonymy of these muscles (1946: table 42) is in error.

From Project Gutenberg

Synonym′icon, a dictionary of synonymous words; Synonym′ics, synonymy.

From Project Gutenberg

I have here given the synonymy of this bird, as it has now been generally accepted by Seebohm, Sharpe, and others.

From Project Gutenberg