lemma
pronunciation
How to pronounce lemma in British English:
UK [ˈlemə]
How to pronounce lemma in American English:
US [ˈlɛmə]
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- Noun:
- a subsidiary proposition that is assumed to be true in order to prove another proposition
- the lower and stouter of the two glumes immediately enclosing the floret in most Gramineae
- the head of an annotation or gloss
Word Origin
- lemma (n.)
- 1560s, first in mathematics, from Greek lemma (plural lemmata) "something received or taken; an argument; something taken for granted," from root of lambanein "to take" (see analemma).
Example
- 1. Glumes equaling first lemma or distal glume slightly longer .
- 2. We shall prove the following ungainly technical lemma .
- 3. Glumes and lemma pilose or densely so .
- 4. Glumes and lemma glabrous , rarely laxly spinescent hairy .
- 5. A specimen from hong kong has a rudimentary lower lemma , but no lower palea .