isogloss

[ ahy-suh-glos, -glaws ]

noun

1. (in the study of the geographical distribution of dialects) a line on a map marking the limits of an area within which a feature of speech occurs, as the use of a particular word or pronunciation.

isogloss

/ ˈaɪsəʊˌɡlɒs /

noun

1. a line drawn on a map around the area in which a linguistic feature is to be found, such as a particular pronunciation of a given word

Derived Forms

• ˌisoˈglossal, adjective

Other Words From

• iso·glossal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of isogloss¹

< German (1892); iso-, gloss ²

Example Sentences

He has learned that a dragonfly is a great help in filling out an isogloss.

From Time Magazine Archive