Words / C2

LEKS-ik-uh-n/ˈleksɪkən/

A lexicon is the stock of words of a language, field, or person, and also a dictionary: the medical lexicon, expand your lexicon. Dictionary and vocabulary (already in the dictionary) are everyday; a glossary (already in the dictionary) is a short list of terms. Nomenclature (already in the dictionary) is a naming system. Elegant words on a cover do not fill a cell.

Meaning

The vocabulary of a language, field, or person; also a dictionary.

Examples

• “An elegant lexicon on the cover does not invent a cell that is empty.”
• “Dictionary is the book (already in A1). Vocabulary is the stock (already in A2). Glossary is a short key (already in C1). Nomenclature is a naming scheme (already in C2). Precise terms can be exact. A slogan-lexicon that never states the n is branding. Write the number; then the glossary.”

Good to know

A vocabulary; a word-stock. Everyday: vocabulary / dictionary (already in this dictionary). Close: glossary (already in C1). Contrast: nomenclature (a naming system — already in C2). Cover copy ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

vocabulary, dictionary, glossary, word-stock

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