Dictionary citations with more than one meaning are more the rule than the exception, as in the following example. 2 article of furniture with a flat top and legs 3 the food served on a table 4 the persons seated at a table 5 arrangement of words, facts, figures, etc., often in columns, for reference 6 index or summary vt 7 to lay aside, as a proposal 8 to postpone indefinitely Here again, we can think of these eight meanings of table as eight different words, or one word with eight different meanings. From a variety of possible meanings, we infer the meaning appropriate for the given context. We read ideas, not words. In each instance we do something different.
Blackberries are red when they are green.
Used for protection. Never been used. In each instance, the surrounding discussion provides clues for inferring the appropriate denotation. The fact that common words tend to have multiple meanings can lead to ambiguity, a situation in which two or more equally legitimate readings exist. In many instances, any potential ambiguity is easily resolved.