isogloss

Definition

A line on a map indicating the geographical boundaries of a linguistic feature.

Etymology

From iso- + gloss, ultimately from Ancient Greek ἴσος (ísos, “equal”) (possibly from Proto-Indo-European *wi- (“to separate”)) + γλῶσσα (glôssa, “tongue; language”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *glōgʰs).

Example Sentences

• "Bloch thinks (and we agree with him) that details of isogloss will probably not bear out this kind of grouping."
• "The convergence of multiple isoglosses on a map, a "bundle", indicates a boundary between one regional dialect and another."
• "There was also a tendency to treat transitive verbs passively, as in Hurrian and Urarṭian; it must, however, be emphasized that this phenomenon may also be considered as an isogloss rather than as an indication of genetic relationship."