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syntax

n.
US //ˈsɪnˌtæks// UK //sˈɪntæks// syn·tax
  1. 1 computer code rules (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the specific rules for how a computer program must be written so the computer can understand it.

    the formal rules governing the arrangement of symbols and commands in a programming language.

    Example

    The program failed to run because of a small error in the syntax.

    Example

    Even a single missing semicolon can result in a syntax error that prevents the entire script from compiling correctly.
  2. 2 the study of sentence structure (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic

    the study of how sentences are built in different languages.

    the scientific study of the rules and categories that allow for the formation of phrases and sentences.

    Example

    In my linguistics class, we spent the whole term studying syntax.

    Example

    Generative syntax explores the hypothesis that the human capacity for language is governed by an innate set of structural principles.
Origin

Partly from Late Latin syntaxis and partly from its etymon, Ancient Greek σύνταξις (súntaxis), from σύν (sún, “together”) + τάξις (táxis, “arrangement”), from τάσσω (tássō, “I arrange”). Doublet of syntaxis.

Word family

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