Synset (source code)
= Synset
A <synset> in <WordNet> is an unordered set of expressions grouped around one specified meaning. It contains a definition and usually examples, while relations connect it to other <synsets>. This differs from treating every meaning of one spelling as a single record.<WordNet: A Lexical Database for English>[Structure, cognitive synonyms, glosses and form-meaning pairs]{ref}
The provider illustrates <synonymy> with `car` and `automobile`. Their shared concept can be represented once while retaining both expressions. Conversely, a written form with several meanings participates in different <synsets>.<WordNet: A Lexical Database for English>[Structure, synonym examples and multiple senses]{ref}
For an original toy design, let one record contain two expressions for a vehicle and another contain an expression for a boat. There are three expression entries but two concept records. Counting expressions and counting meanings consequently answer different questions. The database's grouping is an explicit semantic analysis: it is useful for matching and navigation, but does not prove universal interchangeability in all registers or constructions.
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