Definition of "Lingua Franca"

Main Entry: lin·gua fran·ca
Pronunciation: 'li[ng]-gw&-'fra[ng]-k&
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural lingua francas or lin·guae fran·cae /-gwE-'fra[ng]-(")kE/
Etymology: Italian, literally, Frankish language
Date: 1619
1 often capitalized : a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
2 : any of various languages used as common or commercial tongues among peoples of diverse speech
3 : something resembling a common language