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language
language definition
lan·guage (laŋ′gwij)
noun
- human speech
- Archaic the ability to communicate by this means
- a system of vocal sounds and combinations of such sounds to which meaning is attributed, used for the expression or communication of thoughts and feelings
- the written representation of such a system
- any means of expressing or communicating, as gestures, signs, or animal sounds body language
- a special set of symbols, letters, numerals, rules, etc. used for the transmission of information, as in a computer
- all the vocal sounds, words, and ways of combining them common to a particular nation, tribe, or other speech community the French language
- the particular form or manner of selecting and combining words characteristic of a person, group, or profession; form or style of expression in words the language of teenagers
- the study of language in general or of some particular language or languages; linguistics
- Informal coarse or obscene words and expressions
Etymology: ME < OFr langage < langue, tongue < L lingua, tongue, language, altered (by assoc. with lingere, to lick) < OL dingua < IE *dṇhwa > OE tunge, tongue
language Idioms
speak the same (or someone's) language
to have the same beliefs, attitudes, etc. (as another)
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