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metalinguistics

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noun, plural in form but singular in construction meta·lin·guis·tics \ -tiks \

Definition of metalinguistics

:a branch of linguistics that deals with the relation between language and other cultural factors in a society

First Known Use of metalinguistics

1949

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

yeasty

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of yeast or being unsettled or frivolous

Words at Play

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

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Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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Dictionary Devil

Dictionary Devil

The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?

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