Morphological: meaning, definitions and examples
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morphological
[ mɔːrˈfɒlədʒɪkəl ]
language study
Morphological pertains to the study of the form and structure of words in a language. It focuses on the ways in which words are formed and their relationship to other words in the same language. Morphological analysis is crucial in understanding the rules that govern word formation.
Synonyms
compositional, formative, structural
Examples of usage
- Morphological changes can alter the meaning of a word.
- The morphological structure of the language is complex.
- Linguists conduct morphological analysis to study word formation.
biological sciences
In biological terms, morphological refers to the form and structure of organisms or their parts. It is essential in fields like zoology and botany for the classification and understanding of species.
Synonyms
anatomical, physical, structural
Examples of usage
- The morphological features of the species were thoroughly documented.
- Studying morphological characteristics helps in species identification.
- Morphological adaptations can enhance survival.
Etymology
The term 'morphological' comes from the Greek word 'morphē', meaning 'form' or 'shape', combined with the suffix '-logical', pertaining to a field of study. It was first used in the 19th century within the context of biology to describe the form and structure of organisms. The linguistic application of the term emerged later, when scholars began to study the form and structure of words. Today, morphological studies are pivotal in both linguistics and various branches of science, reflecting the relevance of form in understanding both language and biological diversity.