referent

n. in linguistics, the thing (or process or situation) in the external physical world to which a word or phrase refers. In the structuralist account of language (see structuralism), verbal signs (words) are held to consist of a signifier (physical form) and signified (concept indicated by the signifier), with no need for any external referent.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

primary reinforcer

see natural reinforcer; primary reinforcement.