leksykonu

Lepsykon (genitive leksykonu) is a reference work that gathers words or terms from a language or a specific field, providing definitions, usage notes, and often etymology. In Polish publishing, a leksykon is commonly contrasted with a słownik: while a słownik is a general dictionary of a language, a leksykon usually has an encyclopedic or specialized scope and may emphasize terminology, concepts, and cross-references over everyday usage.

Etymology and usage: the word leksykon comes from Greek lexikonon, via Latin lexicon, and has cognates in other languages such as German Lexikon. The genitive form leksykonu is used in phrases like autor leksykonu, definicje leksykonu, or treść leksykonu. The term often signals a scholarly or comprehensive approach rather than a casual vocabulary list.

Structure and varieties: entries in a leksykon are usually organized alphabetically or by topic and may include headword, part of speech, definition, etymology, pronunciation, usage examples, cross-references, and sometimes illustrations. Lexicons can be monolingual (a leksykon of Polish terms) or bilingual/multilingual (a leksykon polsko-angielski, for example). They can be purely linguistic or cover terminology within a discipline such as biology, chemistry, or technology.

Use and significance: in contemporary Polish, leksykony are used as authoritative reference works for terminology, concept explanations, and domain-specific vocabulary, complementing general dictionaries. They appear in print and digital formats and are valuable for scholars, students, translators, and professionals seeking precise, systematized knowledge.