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vocabulary
5 dictionary results for: vocabulary
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
vo·cab·u·lar·y       [voh-kab-yuh-ler-ee] Pronunciation Key
–noun, plural -lar·ies.
1.the stock of words used by or known to a particular people or group of persons: His French vocabulary is rather limited. The scientific vocabulary is constantly growing.
2.a list or collection of the words or phrases of a language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined: Study the vocabulary in the fourth chapter.
3.the words of a language.
4.any collection of signs or symbols constituting a means or system of nonverbal communication: vocabulary of a computer.
5.any more or less specific group of forms characteristic of an artist, a style of art, architecture, or the like.

[Origin: 1525–35; < ML vocābulārium, n. use of neut. of vocābulārius of words, equiv. to L vocābul(um) vocable + -ārius -ary]

vo·cab·u·lar·ied, adjective
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
vo·cab·u·lar·y       (vō-kāb'yə-lěr'ē)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   pl. vo·cab·u·lar·ies
  1. All the words of a language.
  2. The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
  3. A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
  4. A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication: a dancer's vocabulary of movement.


[French vocabulaire, from Old French, from Medieval Latin vocābulārium, from neuter of vocābulārius, of words, from Latin vocābulum, name; see vocable.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
vocabulary 
1532, "list of words with explanations," from M.L. vocabularium "a list of words," from L. vocabulum "word, name, noun," from vocare "to name, call" (see voice). Meaning "range of language of a person or group" is first attested 1753.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
vocabulary

noun
1. a listing of the words used in some enterprise 
2. a language user's knowledge of words 
3. the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts); "he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques" 

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Vocabulary

Vo*cab"u*la*ry\, n.; pl. Vocabularies. [LL. vocabularium, vocabularius: cf. F. vocabulaire. See Vocable.]

1. A list or collection of words arranged in alphabetical order and explained; a dictionary or lexicon, either of a whole language, a single work or author, a branch of science, or the like; a word-book.

2. A sum or stock of words employed.

His vocabulary seems to have been no larger than was necessary for the transaction of business. --Macaulay.

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