noun
isogloss
EYE-suh-gloss
Isogloss (noun) means a line on a map marking the geographical boundary of a particular linguistic feature. Example: “The dialect atlas shows an isogloss running east to west across the county.”
noun
1
linguistics A line on a map marking the geographical boundary of a particular linguistic feature.
"The dialect atlas shows an isogloss running east to west across the county."
"North of the isogloss, most speakers use a different word for the same thing."
"Linguists draw an isogloss to show where one pronunciation gives way to another."
2
linguistics A linguistic feature shared between languages or varieties of a language.
"The two languages share an isogloss in the way they form plurals."
"Scholars compared isoglosses to work out how the dialects were related."
How to use isogloss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA line on a map showing where a language feature changes from one area to another.
When to use it
It is a technical term used in linguistics, especially in dialect study.
Memory tip
Think of iso- as meaning equal, so an isogloss joins places that share a feature.
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Common pairings
draw an isogloss
cross an isogloss
dialect isogloss
isogloss on a map
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The dialect atlas shows an _____ running east to west across the county.
Etymology
The word is formed from iso- plus gloss, ultimately from Ancient Greek words meaning equal and tongue or language.
Synonyms
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heterogloss
Frequently asked questions
What is an isogloss?
An isogloss is a line on a map showing where a linguistic feature stops being used. It can also mean a feature shared between languages or varieties.
What is an example of an isogloss?
A line separating an area where people say one word for something from an area where they say another is an isogloss.
How do you pronounce isogloss?
In Received Pronunciation it is said roughly as EYE-suh-gloss.
What is the meaning of isogloss?
"isogloss" (noun) means a line on a map marking the geographical boundary of a particular linguistic feature.
