Etymology : Middle French vocabulaire, probably from Medieval Latin vocabularium, from neuter of vocabularius verbal, from Latin vocabulum
Pronunciation : vO-ka-by&-"ler-E, v&-
Function : noun
Date : 1532
1. stock of words used by an individual or existing in a language, lexicon; list of words and their definitions in alphabetical order (especially for the purpose of learning). vocabulary\vo*cab"u*la*ry\ , n.; pl. vocabularies (#). [ll. vocabularium, vocabularius: cf. f. vocabulaire. see:
vocable.].
2. a list or collection of words arranged in alphabetical order and explained; a dictionary or lexicon, either of a whole language, a single work or author, a branch of science, or the like; a word-book.
3. a sum or stock of words employed. his vocabulary seems to have been no larger than was necessary for the transaction of business.vocabulary n.
4. a listing of the words used in some enterprise.
5. a language user's knowledge of words [syn: lexicon, mental lexicon ].
6. the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts); "he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques".
7. A list or collection of words arranged in alphabetical order and explained; a dictionary or lexicon, either of a whole language, a single work or author, a branch of science, or the like; a word-book.
8. A sum or stock of words employed. a language user's knowledge of words the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression ; "he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques" a listing of the words used in some enterprise.
9. 1. Your vocabulary is the total number of words you know in a particular language. His speech is immature, his vocabulary limited.
10. The vocabulary of a language is all the words in it. a new word in the German vocabulary.
11. The vocabulary of a subject is the group of words that are typically used when discussing it. the vocabulary of natural science.