Definitions

1. noun

The state or condition of having multiple related or unrelated meanings, especially in a single word.

“The ambiguity of the word ‘bank’ is an example of polysemia, as it can refer both to a financial institution and the side of a river.”

2. psychology

A psychological phenomenon in which a word or phrase has multiple associated concepts, often resulting in confusion or multiple interpretations.

“In cognitive linguistics, researchers study polysemia to understand how the human brain processes and stores multiple meanings of words.”

3. linguistics

A term in linguistics to describe the coexistence of multiple senses or interpretations within a single word or sign.

“The study of polysemia in language is crucial for understanding the complex nature of human communication and the ways in which meaning is created and negotiated.”