polysemy

[pol-ee-see-mee, puh-lis-uh-mee]

noun

1. a condition in which a single word, phrase, or concept has more than one meaning or connotation.

polysemy

/ pəˈlɪsəmɪ, ˌpɒlɪˈsiːmɪ /

noun

1. the existence of several meanings in a single word Compare monosemy

Other Word Forms

• polysemous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polysemy¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; from New Latin polysēmia, equivalent to Late Latin polysēm(us) “with many significations” (from Greek polýsēmos, equivalent to poly- “many” + sêm(a) “sign” + -os adjective suffix) + -ia noun suffix; poly-, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of polysemy¹

C20: from New Latin polysēmia, from Greek polusēmos having many meanings, from _poly- + sēma a sign

Example Sentences

In this way, trickster’s behavior demands polysemy—he doesn’t tell the audience what to make of his actions.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• doubt 
• uncertainty 
• vagueness