Wordlist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collection or compilation of words, often arranged systematically for reference or study ; a curated set of terms or vocabulary relevant to a particular subject or language ; an inventory of words compiled to assist in learning, communication, or linguistic analysis
2. A carefully assembled group of lexical items used for educational or communicative purposes ; a set of vocabulary specific to a language, field, or context, often organized for easy access ; a repository of words gathered to enhance understanding or usage in speech and writing
3. An assortment of words compiled for reference, study, or specialized usage ; a grouping of terms representing the lexicon of a language or domain ; a selection of words intended to aid in comprehension, diction, or language processing

Etymology: The word "wordlist" is a plain compound: "word" joined to "list," so its meaning follows directly from its two parts. The more interesting history lies in "list" itself, which has travelled a long way. Its ancestor is Old English "līste," a word for a border or edge, the sense that survives in the phrase "the lists," a fenced area for jousting. Through Old French "liste," a strip or band, it came to mean a strip of paper or cloth bearing names, and from there a roll or catalogue. The compound "wordlist" is therefore a recent-looking pairing of two very old elements. Its meaning is transparent: a list in which every entry is a word, whether gathered for a dictionary, a spelling test, or the study of a language.

Synonyms: vocabulary list, lexicon, glossary, dictionary