lexeme

[lek-seem]

noun

Linguistics.

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

lexeme

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lexeme¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lexeme¹

C20: from _lex ( _icon ) + _-eme

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on The Guardian

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

Read more on The Guardian

Related Words

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