POLYSEMY OF ENGLISH TERMS

Abstract

The article deals with the polysemy of English technical terminology. The ways of formation of new meanings of technical terms have been found out. General characteristics of terms and their types are given. The term “polysemy” has been determined. The main features of technical terms have been defined. Examples of ambiguity of English terms have been given. In modern world where technology takes the primary place understanding of technical terms has a great importance. Polysemantic terms of the modern English language stimulate a great interest, because the structure of polysemantic terms which is spread on many branches of science and industry must be understood and translated correctly. Polysemy has been considered as a result of semantic development of general and technical meanings. Different meanings of a polysemantic word can come together due to the proximity of notions which they express. Understanding of technical notions is a powerful source of technical terminology development. Most words in English are ambiguous with different interpretations; words can have different meaning in different contexts, especially concerning technical terms. Material of the research is technical terms obtained in the result of typical selection of sources, namely, technical instructions and texts of technical subjects.  Knowledge of polisemantic terms will help cope with the task of translation.