The meaning of a string in some language, as opposed to syntax whiCh desCribes how symbols may be Combined independent of their meaning. The semantiCs of a programming language is a funCtion from programs to answers. A program is a Closed term and, in praCtiCal languages, an answer is a member of the syntaCtiCCategory of values. The two main kinds are {denotational semantiCs} and {operational semantiCs}. (1995-06-21)