Seme
/ˈsiːm/noun
In semiotics, a seme is the smallest unit of meaning or a distinctive semantic feature.
Did you know?The word descends from Ancient Greek sēma, meaning both “sign” and “tomb,” linking communication with the ancient idea of a grave marker as a message from the dead.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sêma (σῆμα)
“A sign, signal, mark, token, or tomb; something that points beyond itself.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
sēmeîon (σημεῖον)
“A sign, indication, or portent; a related formation from the same semantic root.”
Late Antiquity
Late Greek
sēmeîon
“A sign or indication, including a sign used in interpretation and communication.”
19th Century
French
sème
“A minimal unit or feature of meaning in linguistic and semiotic analysis.”
20th Century
English
seme
“A minimal unit of meaning or distinctive semantic feature.”