lexicon
UK: ˈlek.sɪ.kən | US: ˈlek.sɪ.kɑːn
n. the vocabulary of a language, an individual, or a branch of knowledge
n. a dictionary, especially of Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, or Arabic
n. (computing) the set of terms used in a programming language or database
lexicon = lex<word> + icon<related to>
- lex (from Greek lexis, meaning "word" or "speech")
- icon (from Greek -ikon, a suffix denoting relation or pertaining to)
Etymology Origin:
The word lexicon originates from Greek lexikon (biblion), meaning "wordbook." It combines lexis ("word") with the suffix -ikon, indicating association. Initially used for dictionaries of classical languages, it later broadened to denote any specialized vocabulary. The term reflects the Greek scholarly tradition of compiling word lists, evolving into modern usage for linguistic and computational vocabularies.
The linguist studied the lexicon of Old English to trace language evolution.
This technical lexicon includes terms specific to quantum physics.
Python programmers often refer to the language's official lexicon for syntax rules.
The ancient Greek lexicon was essential for translating classical texts.
Her lexicon of slang terms impressed the sociolinguistics researchers.