There are multiple synonyms for the term "linguistician", which refers to a specialist in the study of languages and the structure and use of language. One similar term is "linguist", which is often used interchangeably with "linguistician". Another synonym is "philologist", which refers to an expert in the historical development of language. A "semanticist" is a specialist in the meaning of words and symbols. An "etymologist" studies the origins and history of words. A "lexicographer" compiles and edits dictionaries and other reference works. A "grammarian" is an expert in the rules and structure of language, while a "phonetician" is a specialist in the sounds and pronunciation of language.