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Glite Dictionary
isolex

isolex

9.9
An area where a specific word is used
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪsəˌlɛks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : isólex
  • The isolex clearly separates the region where the word 'pail' is used from that where 'bucket' predominates.

Examples

  • Linguists mapped the isolex for the local word meaning 'corn' across several neighboring villages.

  • Discovering a new isolex helped researchers understand vocabulary changes across dialect areas.

  • The term isolex refers to a boundary in linguistic geography.

  • Many linguists study isolexes to understand dialect variation.

  • Linguists mapped the isolex for the local word meaning 'corn' across several neighboring villages.

  • The isolex clearly separates the region where the word 'pail' is used from that where 'bucket' predominates.

  • Discovering a new isolex helped researchers understand vocabulary changes across dialect areas.

Synonyms

isogloss
vsisolex
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A line on a map that shows where people speak differently

is narrower, marking the area used for a single word or vocabulary item

Surface Forms

isolex singular
isolexes plural

Morphology

isolex = iso + lex

Formed from the combining form 'iso-' (same/equal) + 'lex' (word), but 'lex' is not a standalone English word so the composition is only partly transparent to learners.

Etymology

The word isolex comes from iso- 'same' and lex 'word'. An isolex is a line on a map that shows the area where the same word is used, so the origin explains its modern meaning.