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idio-
idioblast
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idiom

id·i·om [ íddee əm ] (plural id·i·oms)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. fixed expression with nonliteral meaning: a fixed distinctive expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the combined meanings of its actual words

2. natural way of using language: the way of using a language that comes naturally to its native speakers

3. stylistic expression: the style of expression of a specific person or group

4. distinguishing artistic style: the characteristic style of an artist or artistic group

[Late 16th century. Directly or via French< late Latin idioma< Greek, "property, peculiarity" < idios (see idio-)]

Word Key: Synonyms

See jargon1.

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