# lemma

/ˈɫɛmə/ (US) · /lˈɛmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lemma
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a word in its most basic form, or the name of a plant's seed. In math, it is a small statement that helps prove a bigger one.

For teachers: the canonical form of a word, serving as the head of a lexical entry; in botany, the seed of a leguminous plant. In mathematics, a proven statement used as an intermediate step in a larger proof.

## Examples

- The lemma for the word 'running' is 'run'.
- The botanist identified the plant by its distinctive lemma and palea structures in the seed head.
- While the lemma itself may seem trivial, its application in the final proof provides the necessary logical bridge to establish the theorem's validity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.