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 syNTactic category of values. The two main kinds are {denotational semaNTics} and {operational semaNTics}. (1995-06-21)