Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

glosseme

noun
Save Word
glos·​seme | \ ˈgläˌsēm, ˈglȯˌ- \
plural -s

Definition of glosseme

: the smallest unit (as a word, a stem, a grammatical element, an intonation, or an order of words) that signals a meaning in a language

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Other Words from glosseme

glossemic \ (ˈ)⸗¦sēmik \ adjective

History and Etymology for glosseme

International Scientific Vocabulary gloss- + -eme

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about glosseme

Statistics for glosseme

Cite this Entry

“Glosseme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glosseme. Accessed 16 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

jocund

Listen to the pronunciation of jocund

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Dog Breeds

  • any of a breed of small compact heavy-boned dogs developed in france and having erect ears
  • Name that dog!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games