noun
lemma
LEM-uh
Lemma (noun) means In mathematics, a proposition that is proved or accepted so that it can be used in proving another proposition. Example: “The proof of the theorem relies on a short lemma.”
noun
1
technical In mathematics, a proposition that is proved or accepted so that it can be used in proving another proposition.
"The proof of the theorem relies on a short lemma."
"She proved the lemma first and then used it twice."
"The lemma is named after the mathematician who found it."
2
technical In linguistics and lexicography, the canonical form of a word, which is the form usually given as the headword in a dictionary.
"The lemma for "ran" is "run"."
"Dictionaries list each word under its lemma."
"The software reduces every word in the text to its lemma."
How to use lemma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA helper result in maths, or the base dictionary form of a word.
When to use it
It is a technical term used in mathematics, linguistics and lexicography.
Memory tip
Check the field first, because the maths and linguistics meanings are unrelated in practice.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
prove a lemma
technical lemma
the lemma of a verb
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The proof of the theorem relies on a short _____.
Etymology
The word was borrowed from Ancient Greek lêmma, meaning premise or assumption. That Greek word comes from the same root as the verb meaning to take.
Synonyms
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citation form
Rhymes for lemma
See all rhymes for lemma →Frequently asked questions
What is a lemma in linguistics?
It is the canonical form of a word, the one usually used as the dictionary headword. For a verb this is typically the bare infinitive.
What is a lemma in maths?
It is a proposition proved or accepted for use in the proof of another proposition.
What is the plural of lemma?
Both lemmas and lemmata are given as plurals.
What is the meaning of lemma?
"lemma" (noun) means in mathematics, a proposition that is proved or accepted so that it can be used in proving another proposition.
