Stubsõna

Stubsõna is a term used in Estonian lexicography to describe a word entry that has been created in a lexical database or dictionary project but contains only minimal information. The primary purpose of a stubsõna is to mark a gap in coverage and to enable community-driven expansion of the lexicon. In practice, a stubsõna usually includes the lemma, part of speech, language label, and perhaps a pronunciation or an example sentence, while detailed definitions, etymology, inflections, and usage notes are left for later development or marked as to be added.

Creation and management: A contributor typically adds a stubsõna when encountering a word that lacks an entry in the project. The editor checks basic validity (that the form is correct for the language and not a misspelling) and adds minimal identifying data. The entry is usually tagged with a stub status and placed in a category highlighting the need for expansion. Other editors then work to add definitions, etymology, pronunciation, inflection tables, synonyms, and usage examples.

Role and workflow: Stubsõna entries help prioritize lexicon work, reveal coverage gaps, and enable linking across related terms. They function as starting points for collaborative expansion rather than finished articles. As information is added, a stubsõna can be converted into a full entry with reliable sourcing.

Limitations and caution: Stubs may vary in quality; without careful sourcing they risk disseminating inaccuracies. Projects rely on community review and editorial standards to ensure accuracy before expanding.

See also: Stub (lexicography), Wiktionary, Estonian language resources.