Word of the Day

: February 11, 2009

lexical

adjective LEK-sih-kul

What It Means

1 : of or relating to words or the vocabulary of a language as distinguished from its grammar and construction

2 : of or relating to a lexicon or to lexicography

lexical in Context

As stated in the catalog, the university’s second-year language courses were designed to emphasize lexical skills.

Did You Know?

The word "lexicon" can be used as a synonym of "dictionary," and the word "lexicography" refers to the practice of dictionary making. Both of these words, as well as "lexical," derive from the Greek word "lexis," meaning "word" or "speech." A fourth descendant of "lexis" is "lexiphanic," an adjective describing one who uses pretentious words for effect. "Lexis" should not be confused with the Latin "lex," or "law," which is used in legal phrases such as "lex non scripta," meaning "unwritten law."