Morphological: meaning, definitions and examples

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morphological

 

[ mɔːrˈfɒlədʒɪkəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,722 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.