LINGUA Meaning and
Definition
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Lingua is a term that typically refers to the tongue, a muscular organ located in the mouth, used for tasting, chewing, and swallowing food, as well as for speech and articulation. It is one of the primary components of the human oral cavity and plays a crucial role in various essential functions.
Anatomically, the lingua is characterized by its pink color and a bumpy surface due to the presence of papillae, which house taste buds responsible for detecting flavors. Structurally, it consists of muscle fibers that provide flexibility and movement, enabling it to perform a wide range of actions, such as forming sounds for speech and manipulating food for proper swallowing.
Beyond its physiological functions, the term "lingua" can also be used more broadly to refer to language or a manner of communication specific to a particular group, region, or field of study. In this sense, lingua can describe a natural or constructed language that people use to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas, such as English, Spanish, or Esperanto. Additionally, it can be used to highlight specialized jargon or terminology commonly used within a specific profession, to provide a sense of identification and community among its practitioners.
The term "lingua" encompasses both the physical organ responsible for speech and taste, as well as the wider concept of language and communication systems employed by human beings.
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Tongue. 1. A mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane, occupying the cavity of the mouth and forming part of its floor, constituting also by its posterior portion the anterior wall of the pharynx. The mucous membrane of its upper surface (dorsum), is marked by numerous projections or papillae (see papilla). The anterior extremity (apex or tip) is free, the posterior portion is attached to the hyoid bone. It is the organ of taste and assists in mastication, deglutition, and articulation. 2. One of a number of tongue-like anatomical structures. 3. Language.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LINGUA
- mingua
- linwua
- linoua
- lincua
- lineua
- ling5a
- lingea
- lingqa
- lingwa
- lingta
- lingui
- lingue
- linguc
- l ingua
- li ngua
- lin gua
- ling ua
- lingu a
Etymology of LINGUA
The word "lingua" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Old Latin word "dingua", which then evolved into the Classical Latin term "lingua". The term "lingua" ultimately referred to the organ of speech, or the tongue, and by extension, it also denoted language or a specific tongue or language. In Latin, "lingua" had a wide range of meanings, including "tongue", "language", "speech", and even "a foreign (unintelligible) language". This Latin root is also evident in several modern Romance languages, such as Italian ("lingua"), Spanish ("lengua"), Portuguese ("língua"), and French ("langue"), where they still refer to language or the organ of speech.
Idioms with the word LINGUA
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a lingua franca
The idiom "a lingua franca" refers to a language that is widely used and understood as a means of communication between people who speak different native languages. It typically acts as a common language for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate with each other effectively.
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lingua franca
The idiom "lingua franca" refers to a language that is widely adopted and utilized as a means of communication between people who speak different native languages. It typically serves as a common or universal language that facilitates understanding and interaction in various contexts, such as international diplomacy, commerce, or academia.
Similar spelling words for LINGUA
- linear,
- linger,
- linac,
- ling,
- line,
- limax,
- lingo,
- limas,
- limnos,
- Liang,
- linnaeus.
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