emic

[ ee-mik ]

adjective

, Linguistics.

1. pertaining to or being a significant unit that functions in contrast with other units in a language or other system of behavior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emic¹

First recorded in 1950–55; extracted from phonemic; coined by U.S. linguist Kenneth L. Pike (1912–2000)

Example Sentences

Paleontologist Michael D. D'Emic recently analyzed sauropod size around the world and found that different lineages evolved into giants three dozen times.

From Scientific American

Thomas, 35, appeared in court Thursday afternoon before Matthew J. D’Emic, a judge with the Brooklyn Supreme Court who ordered him freed.

From Seattle Times

Thomas was scheduled to appear in court Thursday before Judge Matthew J. D’Emic of Brooklyn state Supreme Court.

From Seattle Times

Actually, according to Krishnendu Ray, the associate professor of Food Studies at New York University, the representations of the East are shifting from "etic" to "emic" — that is, looking at a culture from an outsider's point of view to an insider's point of view.

From Salon

“I think this is a clever approach to a common problem,” says Adelphi University paleontologist Michael D'Emic, who was not involved in the new study.

From Scientific American