lingua francas Definition

lingua franca
noun lingua francas

1. A language, or often a simplified form of it, that has been chosen as a means of communication amongst the speakers of different languages.
2. Any hybrid language that has been chosen as a means of communication amongst the speakers of different languages.
3. Usually with reference to music and the arts: any system or set of conventions that are readily and easily understood.

Example: the lingua franca of ballet
4. historical
A form of Italian with a mixture of French, Spanish, Greek and Arabic words, used in the eastern part of the Mediterranean to make trading easier.

Etymology: 17c: Italian lingua franca Frankish language.