lexicostatistics

[lek-si-koh-stuh-tis-tiks]

noun (used with a singular verb) Linguistics.

the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language or languages for historical purposes.

Compare glottochronology.

Origin of lexicostatistics

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

Related formslex·i·co·sta·tis·tic, lex·i·co·sta·tis·ti·cal, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for lexicostatistics

lexicostatistics

noun

(functioning as singular) the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language, with special attention to the historical links with other languagesSee 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