Definition:Formal Language/Alphabet/Primitive Symbol
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Definition
Let $\AA$ be the alphabet of a formal language $\LL$.
The symbols which comprise $\AA$ are called the primitive symbols of $\AA$.
It is usual, during the development of a formal system, to introduce further symbols in order to abbreviate what would otherwise be unwieldy constructions.
Hence the distinction between these newly-introduced symbols and the primitive symbols.
Also known as
Some sources do not bother with the word primitive and instead refer to the elements of $\AA$ just as symbols.
Also see
Sources
- 1965: E.J. Lemmon: Beginning Logic ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $2$: The Propositional Calculus $2$: $1$ Formation Rules