lexeme

American  

[lek-seem] / ˈlɛk sim /

noun

Linguistics.

1. a lexical unit in a language, as a word or base; vocabulary item.

---

lexeme British  

/ ˈlɛksiːm /

noun

1. linguistics a minimal meaningful unit of language, the meaning of which cannot be understood from that of its component morphemes. Take off (in the senses to mimic, to become airborne, etc) is a lexeme, as well as the independent morphemes take and off

---

Etymology

Origin of lexeme

1935–40; lex(ical) or lex(icon) + -eme

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lexeme

But the reader does not wish to grab the blunt cudgel of a weaponized lexeme, I sense, and so I suggest a quaint euphemism.

From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2014

But today The Fiver finds itself in need of a new collective term, some apt lexeme to describe an assemblage of football icons who all retire at the same time.

From The Guardian ● May 17, 2013

That same year, giving voice to the lexeme was enough to get 19-year-old Emily Parr thrown out of the Big Brother house.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 14, 2013

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• concept
• expression
• name
• phrase
• sound
• term

---