lingua

noun lin·gua \ ˈliŋ-gwə \

Definition of lingua

plural linguae play \ˈliŋ-ˌgwē, -ˌgwī\

: a tongue or an organ resembling a tongue

Recent Examples of lingua from the Web

Periwinkle snails infected with the trematode species Cryptocotyle lingua, for instance, eat significantly less algae along their Atlantic coast homes, because the parasite weakens their digestive tracts.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "The World’s Parasites Are Going Extinct. Here’s Why That’s a Bad Thing," 7 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lingua.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lingua

Latin — more at tongue

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1826

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

lingua

noun lin·gua \ ˈliŋ-gwə \

medical Definition of lingua

plural linguae play \-ˌgwē, -ˌgwī\

: a tongue or an organ resembling a tongue in structure or function

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up lingua? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

skirl

play

to emit the high shrill tone of bagpipes

BROWSE DICTIONARY

lingtow

lingu-

lingua

linguaeform

lingua franca

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