lexicology

[lek-si-kol-uh-jee]

noun

the study of the formation, meaning, and use of words and of idiomatic combinations of words.

Origin of lexicology

First recorded in 1820–30; lexic(on) + -o- + -logy

Related formslex·i·co·log·i·cal

[lek-si-kuh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌlɛk sɪ kəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, lex·i·co·log·ic, adjectivelex·i·col·o·gist, noun

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British Dictionary definitions for lexicology

lexicology

noun

the study of the overall structure and history of the vocabulary of a language

Derived Formslexicological (ˌlɛksɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivelexicologically, adverblexicologist, noun

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

Word Origin and History for lexicology

1828, from lexico- + -logy.