lemma Hear it!

lemma1 definition

lemma (lem′ə)

noun pl. lemmas -·mas or lemmata -·mata (-ə tə)

  1. a proposition proved, or sometimes assumed, to be true and used in proving a theorem
  2. the subject of a composition, gloss, or note, esp. when used as a heading
  3. a term glossed in a list

Etymology: L < Gr lēmma, something taken or received, something taken for granted < lambanein, to seize, assume < IE base *(s)lagw-, to grasp > latch

lemma2 definition

lemma (lem′ə)

noun

the outer or lower of the two bracts or scales surrounding the flower of a grass

Etymology: Gr, a husk < base of lepein, to peel: see leper

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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