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language definition

lan·guage (laŋ′gwij)

noun

    1. human speech
    2. Archaic the ability to communicate by this means
    3. 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
    4. the written representation of such a system
    1. any means of expressing or communicating, as gestures, signs, or animal sounds body language
    2. a special set of symbols, letters, numerals, rules, etc. used for the transmission of information, as in a computer
  3. all the vocal sounds, words, and ways of combining them common to a particular nation, tribe, or other speech community the French language
  4. 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
  5. the study of language in general or of some particular language or languages; linguistics
  6. 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 *dṇhwa > 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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