Here's why:
* Multiple Parts of Speech: "Jam" can be a noun, a verb, and even an adjective. Each grammatical function can have distinct definitions.
* Multiple Meanings: As a noun, "jam" can refer to a fruit preserve, a traffic congestion, a musical improvisation, or even a technical difficulty. As a verb, it can mean to squeeze tightly, to play music in an improvised way, or to get stuck.
* Contextual Nuance: The specific meaning of "jam" often depends heavily on the context.
* Regional Differences: Some meanings might be more common in certain regions or among specific groups.
Instead of a single number, think of "jam" as having a wide range of possible meanings, each with its own nuances and variations.