lexikón

Lexikón is a term used in several European languages to refer to a reference work that gathers words, terms, or concepts, typically with definitions or explanations. Depending on the language and context, it can denote a dictionary, a glossary, or an encyclopedic lexicon. In everyday use, lexikón often refers to a standard dictionary, while in broader or more specialized contexts, it can mean a comprehensive compendium of knowledge about a particular field or topic.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Greek lexis, meaning word, combined with a suffix that forms a noun for a collection or book. In modern usage, forms such as lexikon, Lexikon, or λεξικό (lexikó in Greek) appear in several languages, reflecting the same root. The English equivalent is lexicon, which can also denote the mental or linguistic storehouse of words.

Types and usage: Lexikóna may serve as monolingual dictionaries (definitions in one language), bilingual or multilingual dictionaries (mapping words across languages), or encyclopedic lexicons (organized by topics with more extensive articles). In German, for example, Lexikon commonly refers to an encyclopedic reference work, whereas Wörterbuch is a dictionary in a narrower sense. In linguistics, the term lexicon denotes the complete set of lexical entries of a language or the mental repository of a speaker’s vocabulary.

Related concepts: Lexicography is the discipline that studies and compiles lexika; a glossary is a smaller, specialized lexikón; an encyclopedia is a broad reference work that often includes encyclopedic lexikón entries.

See also: Lexicography, Dictionary, Glossary, Encyclopedia, Lexeme.