In the field of linguistics, the term 'polysemy' refers to a single word having multiple meanings that are related by extension. This linguistic phenomenon can lead to ambiguity, particularly in literary texts where context guides the reader toward the intended meaning. For instance, consider the word 'bank', which can denote a financial institution or the side of a river.

In many cases, readers must rely on contextual clues to determine which meaning applies. Such intricacies of language exemplify the complexity of communication and the cognitive processes involved in language interpretation. Understanding polysemy is essential for linguists, translators, and language learners alike as it highlights the dynamic nature of words.