Word of the Day - 08/20/26
lexicon
/'lɛksə,kɑn/(n.): a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them; a dictionary
She consulted the comprehensive lexicon to understand the etymology of the obscure word.
(n.): the vocabulary of a particular language, field, social class, person, etc.
As a linguist, her personal lexicon of technical terms was extensive.
Word Origin
The word lexicon originates from Ancient Greek. It comes from λεξικόν (lexikón), meaning “of or for words” and, as a noun, “a wordbook” or “dictionary.” It is the neuter form of λεξικός (lexikós), meaning “of or relating to words,” which is derived from λέξις (léxis), meaning “word,” “speech,” or “expression.” Léxis in turn comes from the verb λέγειν (légein), meaning “to say,” “speak,” or “tell.”
Words with similar origins include 'lexical', 'lexicography', 'lexicographer', 'alexia', and 'dyslexia'.