ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-031 · ATLAS 251

Meronymy

A semantic relationship between a part and the whole to which it belongs.

Explanation

Meronymy connects expressions through part-whole structures. Whether something is considered a part may depend on context, function, and cultural categorization.

Example

“Finger” is a meronym of “hand.”

Counterexample

A rose is a type of flower, not a part of a flower.

Distinction

Hyponymy: species-genus relationship.

Effect on thought and perception

Organizes wholes and makes their internal architecture nameable.

Resonance

A part evokes the whole that gives it meaning and place.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Meronymy“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-031. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-031

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-031

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