isogloss

noun

iso·​gloss ˈī-sə-ˌgläs How to pronounce isogloss (audio)
-ˌglȯs
1
: a boundary line between places or regions that differ in a particular linguistic feature
2
: a line on a map representing an isogloss
isoglossal adjective
isoglossic adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary is- + Greek glōssa language — more at gloss

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of isogloss was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near isogloss

Cite this Entry

“Isogloss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isogloss. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on isogloss

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!