Linguistics:
* A word is the smallest unit of language that has meaning. It can be a single sound or a combination of sounds that represents an object, action, quality, or idea.
* Words are built from morphemes, which are the smallest meaningful units of language.
* Words are organized into classes called parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
Other Perspectives:
* Word can also refer to a written symbol representing a spoken sound or a concept.
* It can be an expression used to convey meaning, like a phrase, idiom, or proverb.
* Word can also be used to describe speech in general, like "He didn't say a word."
In essence, a word is a fundamental building block of communication, capable of expressing a vast range of meaning through its diverse forms and functions.