Lexemes containing “z” as their second character constitute a distinct subset of the English lexicon. Examples include “azure,” “ozone,” and “wizard.” This orthographic characteristic links these terms, despite their diverse etymologies and semantic fields.
The presence of “z” so early in a word often signals a Greek or Arabic origin, reflecting the historical influence of these languages on English vocabulary. Such terms often carry a sense of exoticism or complexity, enriching the expressive potential of the language. Understanding these etymological roots can provide deeper insights into word meanings and their evolution.