lemma
lemma1 definition
lemma (lem′ə)
noun pl. lemmas -·mas or lemmata -·mata (-ə tə)
- a proposition proved, or sometimes assumed, to be true and used in proving a theorem
- the subject of a composition, gloss, or note, esp. when used as a heading
- 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
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