grapheme

[graf-eem] /ˈgræf im/
noun, Linguistics
1.
a minimal unit of a writing system.
2.
a unit of a writing system consisting of all the written symbols or sequences of written symbols that are used to represent a single phoneme.
Origin
1935-40; graph- + -eme
Related forms
graphemically, adverb
Examples from the web for grapheme
  • LI-10: producing a new word when a specific grapheme is changed, added, or removed.
British Dictionary definitions for grapheme

grapheme

/ˈɡræfiːm/
noun
1.
(linguistics) one of a set of orthographic symbols (letters or combinations of letters) in a given language that serve to distinguish one word from another and usually correspond to or represent phonemes, e.g. the f in fun, the ph in phantom, and the gh in laugh
Derived Forms
graphemically, adverb
Word Origin
C20: from Greek graphēma a letter
Word Origin and History for grapheme
n.

1937, American English, from graph "letter, symbol" (see -graphy) + -eme "unit of language structure."