polysemous

/ˌpɒliˈsiːməs, -ˌsɛm-/

Definitions

1. adjective

having multiple meanings; having several related senses or connotations.

“The term ‘bank’ is polysemous, referring to both a financial institution and the side of a river.”

2. adjective

having multiple meanings or references.

“The word ‘spring’ is a polysemous term in poetry, referring to both a season and a coiled metal object that stores energy.”

Synonyms

  • multivalent
  • multivocal

Antonyms

  • univocal