lexicalization

noun

lex·​i·​cal·​i·​za·​tion ˌlek-si-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce lexicalization (audio)
1
: the realization of a meaning in a single word or morpheme rather than in a grammatical construction
2
: the treatment of a formerly freely composed, grammatically regular, and semantically transparent phrase or inflected form as a formally or semantically idiomatic expression
lexicalize transitive verb

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lexicalization was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near lexicalization

Cite this Entry

“Lexicalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lexicalization. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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