lemma1
/ˈlɛmə
/noun (plural lemmas or lemmata /ˈlɛmətə/)
1A subsidiary or intermediate theorem in an argument or proof: they give every last lemma of neoclassical theory the status of Holy Writ...
- It takes a long series of lemmas to show how powerful the primitive recursive functions are.
- To state the lemma, we need to make one more definition concerning functors.
- The fundamental lemma of the calculus of variations is named after him.
2A heading indicating the subject or argument of a literary composition or annotation.The lemma is always followed by an analysis of the text.
3A word or phrase defined in a dictionary or entered in a word list.While recognizing it as ‘the finest lexicon available for NT Greek,’ they observe this disturbing shortcoming: It does not explain in the introduction the criteria employed for selecting lemmas.
Origin
Late 16th century: via Latin from Greek lēmma 'something assumed'; related to lambanein 'take'.
Rhymes
lemma2
/ˈlɛmə/noun (plural lemmas or lemmata /ˈlɛmətə/) Botany
The lower bract of the floret of a grass. Compare with palea.On the day before florets opened, the third florets from the top of the first branches were fixed in FAA after removing the lemmas....
- Two leafy organs protect the floret of grasses, the lemma, and the palea, and both are considered to represent reduced vegetative leaves.
- In the basal part of the floret, the mRNA label was very strong in the two distinctive bracts, lemma and palea, as well as in the base of the two lodicules and the pistil complex.
Origin
Mid 18th century (denoting the husk or shell of a fruit): from Greek, from lepein 'to peel'.