THE FIRST WORD

polysemous

PRONUNCIATION:

(POL-ee-see-muhs) 

MEANING:

adjective: Having multiple meanings.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin polysemus, from Greek polysemos, from poly- (many) + sema (sign). Earliest documented use: 1884.

USAGE:

"The polysemous ancient Greek word pharmakon strangely captures all of these apparently contradictory senses and meanings."
Stephen Morris; Revealing the Pharmacon; Catholic New Times; Nov 21, 2004.