What does "word loss" refer to in linguistics?

"Word loss" in linguistics refers specifically to the process by which words gradually fall out of usage over time. This phenomenon can occur for various reasons, including social, cultural, or language change, leading to certain words becoming obsolete as they are no longer relevant or commonly used in everyday communication. Language is dynamic, and as societies evolve, so do the words they use, resulting in some terms being discarded in favor of new or more relevant vocabulary.

In contrast, the other options represent different linguistic phenomena. Gaining new meanings (as mentioned in another choice) pertains to semantic change, while slang creation involves the adaptation or innovation of language rather than loss. The development of similar-sounding words touches on phonetic evolution rather than the disappearance of words from the lexicon. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the fading of certain vocabulary from active use, illustrating the natural progression and adaptation within language over time.