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Glite Dictionary
💊 Not deadly ⏳ Not final 🔤 Grammar symbol
nonterminal

nonterminal

9.5
A grammar symbol that can be replaced by other symbols to make sentences
  • noun
  • /ˌnɒnˈtɜːrmɪnəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : no terminal
  • In this context-free grammar, every nonterminal must eventually be replaced by terminal symbols.

Examples

  • A nonterminal can generate a sequence of terminals and other nonterminals in the derivation process.

  • The parser identifies each nonterminal and applies the appropriate production rules.

  • A nonterminal is essential.

  • What is a nonterminal?

  • In this context-free grammar, every nonterminal must eventually be replaced by terminal symbols.

  • The parser identifies each nonterminal and applies the appropriate production rules.

  • A nonterminal can generate a sequence of terminals and other nonterminals in the derivation process.

Surface Forms

nonterminal singular
nonterminals plural

Morphology

nonterminal = terminal (semi-transparent) = non + terminal

Form is transparently 'non-' + 'terminal', but the technical grammatical sense requires specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Nonterminal comes from the parts non- 'not' and terminal 'end'. In grammar a nonterminal is a part that is 'not the end' and can be replaced by other parts to make a full sentence.