Polysemie

polysemy (multiple related meanings of one word)

noun po-lue-ze-MEE Rare

Origin: from Greek polys (many) + sema (sign)

Usage Note

Polysemie refers to a single word having multiple related senses. Bank (financial institution / bench) illustrates homonymy; Schloss (lock / castle / palace) better illustrates Polysemie through metaphorical extension.

Examples

"Das Wort 'Flügel' zeigt Polysemie: Es bezeichnet einen Vogel-, Klavier- oder Gebäudeflügel."

Natural Translation

The word 'Flügel' displays polysemy: it designates a bird wing, a piano, or a building wing.

Literal Translation

The word 'Flügel' shows polysemy: it designates a wing/piano/wing of building.

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