lemma
1. lem.ma \'lem-*\ \'lem-*t-*\ n or lemmas or lem.ma.ta [L, fr. Gk le-mma thing taken, assumption, fr. lambanein to take] pl - more at LATCH 1: an auxiliary proposition accepted as true for use in the demonstration o f another proposition 2a: the heading or theme of a comment or note on a text 2b: a glossed word or phrase 2. lemma n [Gk, husk, fr. lepein to peel - more at LEPER] : the lower of the two bracts enclosing the flower in the spikelet of gras ses