(linguistics, strict sense) A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Cantonese as contrasted with Mandarin Chinese or Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).

plural of dialectism

(linguistics) Alternative form of dialecticism.

(rare) The quality of being dialectal.

(programming) The creation of domain-specific languages within an existing programming language.

plural of dialectalism

Alternative form of dialecticism (“dialectism”)

(philosophy) The concept of reality in which material things are in the constant process of change brought about by the tension between conflicting or interacting forces, elements, or ideas.

(Commonwealth of Nations) Alternative spelling of dialectical behavior therapy

(psychology) A psychotherapeutic approach used to treat personality disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, interpersonal conflicts, self-harm, substance abuse and other maladaptive coping strategies, which focuses on synthesizing the importance of self-acceptance with the acceptance of a need to change one's behavior.