lemma

(lemə)

noun pl. lemmas or lemmata

  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

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

noun

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

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

See lemma in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. lem·mas or lem·ma·ta (lĕmˈə-tə)
  1. A subsidiary proposition assumed to be valid and used to demonstrate a principal proposition.
  2. A theme, argument, or subject indicated in a title.
  3. A word or phrase treated in a glossary or similar listing.

Origin:

Origin: Latin lēmma

Origin: , from Greek

Origin: , from lambanein, to take

.

noun
The outer or lower of the two bracts that enclose the flower in a grass spikelet.

Origin:

Origin: Greek, husk

Origin: , from lepein, to peel

.

Learn more about lemma

link/cite print suggestion box