Polysemy
/pəˈlɪs.ə.mi/noun
The occurrence of multiple related meanings within a single word or expression.
Did you know?The Greek root sēma meant a sign or mark and could also refer to a tomb monument, giving the science of meaning an unexpectedly funerary shadow.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
polýs
“Many”
Ancient Greek
Greek
sêma
“A sign, mark, token, or signal; also a tomb monument”
Ancient Greek
Greek
polysēmía
“The condition of having many meanings or significations”
19th Century
French
polysémie
“The presence of several meanings in one word or expression”
19th Century
English
polysemy
“The possession of multiple related senses by a word”