[W/K] :: semasiology

  Semantics \Sem*an"tics\, n. sing. or pl. [Gr. shmantikos having
     meaning, from sh^ma a sign.]
     1. the study of the meanings of words and of the sense
        development of words; -- formerly called semasiology.
        [PJC]
  
     2. a doctrine and philosophical approach to language and its
        relationship to thought and behavior, developed by Alfred
        Korzybski (1879-1950), which holds that the capacity to
        express ideas and thereby improve one's interaction with
        others and one's environment is enhanced by training in
        the more critical use of words and other symbols; -- also
        called {general semantics.
        [PJC]
  
     3. the meanings of words as they are used to achieve an
        effect; especially, the multiple meanings of words or the
        multiplicity of words having the same meaning; -- used in
        referring to the confusion that can be caused
        (intentionally or unintentionally) by multiple meanings;
        as, there's no real difference, it's only a matter of
        semantics.
        [PJC]

  Semasiology \Se*ma`si*ol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. shmasi`a signification +
     -logy.] (Philol.)
     The science of meanings or sense development (of words); the
     explanation of the development and changes of the meanings of
     words; -- more commonly referred to as semantics. --
     Se*ma`si*o*log"ic*al, a.
     [Webster 1913 Suppl.]