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lexicostatistics

American  
[lek-si-koh-stuh-tis-tiks] / ˌlɛk sɪ koʊ stəˈtɪs tɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language or languages for historical purposes.


lexicostatistics British  
/ ˌlɛksɪkəʊstəˈtɪstɪks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language, with special attention to the historical links with other languages See also glottochronology

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • lexicostatistic adjective
  • lexicostatistical adjective

Etymology

Origin of lexicostatistics

First recorded in 1955–60; lexic(on) + -o- + statistics