lemma

¹

[ lem-uh ]

noun

, plural lem·mas, lem·ma·ta [lem, -, uh, -t, uh].

1. a subsidiary proposition introduced in proving some other proposition; a helping theorem.
2. an argument, theme, or subject, especially when indicated in a heading.
3. a word or phrase that is glossed; headword.

lemma

²

[ lem-uh ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural lem·mas.

1. a bract in a grass spikelet just below the pistil and stamens.

lemma

¹

/ ˈlɛmə /

noun

1. the outer of two bracts surrounding each floret in a grass spikelet Compare palea

lemma

²

/ ˈlɛmə /

noun

1. a subsidiary proposition, proved for use in the proof of another proposition
2. linguistics a word considered as its citation form together with all the inflected forms. For example, the lemma go consists of go together with goes, going, went, and gone
3. an argument or theme, esp when used as the subject or title of a composition

lemma

/ lĕm′ə /

, Plural lemmas lĕm′ə-tə

1. The outer or lower of the two bracts enclosing one of the flowers within a grass spikelet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemma¹

1560–70; < Latin: theme, title, epigram < Greek lêmma something received, premise, akin to lambánein to take, receive, take for granted

Origin of lemma²

1745–55; < Greek lémma shell, husk, akin to lépein to peel

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemma¹

C19: from Greek: rind, from lepein to peel

Origin of lemma²

C16 (meaning: proposition), C17 (meaning: title, theme): via Latin from Greek: premise, from lambanein to take (for granted)

Example Sentences

Showing that they do was the first part of proving the lemma, however.

From Scientific American

As a result, mathematicians tended to keep their discoveries to themselves, deploying their theorems, corollaries and lemmas only to win intellectual battles.

From Scientific American

Yoneda began explaining the lemma on the platform and continued it on the train before it departed the station.

From Scientific American

Many in eastern India take pride in the beauty of the winglike extensions of the sterile lemma in Moynatundi and Ramigali rice.

From Scientific American

Dr. Tanton explained how you can see the lemma for yourself.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• assumption
• axiom
• conclusion
• conjecture
• explanation
• guess
• inference
• interpretation
• premise
• proposition
• rationale
• supposition
• theorem
• thesis