lexicostatistics

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

noun (used with a singular verb) Linguistics.

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

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a granular metamorphic rock.
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Compare glottochronology.

Origin of lexicostatistics

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

OTHER WORDS FROM lexicostatistics

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

Words nearby lexicostatistics

lexicog., lexicographer, lexicography, lexicology, lexicon, lexicostatistics, lexigram, lexigraphy, lexington, lexington and concord, battle of, lexington park
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for lexicostatistics

lexicostatistics
/ (ˌlɛksɪkəʊstəˈtɪstɪks) /

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