single word requests - Equivalent of homonym for terms and phrases


A homonym is a word with two distinct meanings, for instance:



chase (from dict.org)




  1. To pursue for the purpose of killing or taking, as an enemy, or game; to hunt. [1913 Webster]




  2. To cut, so as to make a screw thread. [1913 Webster]





Does homonym apply to terms (esp. colloquial) or phrases as well?


For instance, wife beater refers to either a type of shirt or a person who physically abuses their wife.


Is there a word or term that describes this type of word or phrase?



Answer



It does feel strange to apply the term 'homonym' to a multi-word phrase. There is no special word that is an alternative to 'homonym' that is specific to terms of more than one word. That is, there is no such word 'X' to say 'The phrase "wife beater" is an X'.


However, one can describe the -situation- as polysemy or amphiboly (and their derived forms). For example,



The term 'wife beater' is polysemous; it can have its literal meaning, or by metonymy, it can refer to a style of t-shirt.



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