What is the meaning of "lexical gap" in relation to language?

The correct choice refers to "lexical gap" as a missing word in a language that describes a concept. This term is used in linguistics to highlight the absence of a specific word in a language for a particular idea or phenomenon that exists in other languages. For instance, various languages may have unique words to capture specific cultural practices, feelings, or ideas that do not neatly translate into other languages. The existence of a lexical gap often signifies the limitations of a language's vocabulary in fully representing the spectrum of human experience and thought.

In contrast, the other options presented relate to different linguistic phenomena but do not accurately define a lexical gap. For example, dialect differences refer to variations in language use among different regions or social groups, commonly involving pronunciation or vocabulary changes but not the absence of words. Misinterpretation of phrases focuses on confusion or misunderstanding in communication rather than the presence or absence of words. Lastly, newly coined words that gain popularity represent an expansion of vocabulary rather than a gap, as they fill or address existing gaps rather than exemplifying them.