Glossography

/ɡlɒˈsɒɡrəfi/ noun

Definition

The practice of writing glossaries; the systematic study and description of tongue structure, function, or speech patterns.

Etymology

From Greek 'glossa' (tongue/gloss) + '-graphy' (writing, description). The term bridges two meanings: literal glossaries and scientific documentation of lingual matters.

Kelly Says

Glossography as glossary-writing goes back to medieval monks who basically invented the footnote—their marginal notes ('glossae') were the first people trying to make texts more understandable.

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