lexicostatistics

[ lek-si-koh-stuh-tis-tiks ]
/ ˌlɛk sɪ koʊ stəˈtɪs tɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb) Linguistics.

the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language or languages for historical purposes.
Compare glottochronology.

Origin of lexicostatistics

First recorded in 1955–60; lexic(on) + -o- + statistics

OTHER WORDS FROM lexicostatistics

lex·i·co·sta·tis·tic, lex·i·co·sta·tis·ti·cal, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for lexicostatistics

lexicostatistics
/ (ˌlɛksɪkəʊstəˈtɪstɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the statistical study of the vocabulary of a language, with special attention to the historical links with other languages See also glottochronology