What does the term "vocabulary" refer to in the context of literary terms?

In the context of literary terms, the term "vocabulary" refers to the total number of words used in a language. This encompasses not only the words that are commonplace but also those that may be more specialized or nuanced, allowing for a greater range of expression in writing and speech. A rich vocabulary can significantly enhance the ability of an author or speaker to convey their thoughts and ideas effectively, making it a crucial component of both literary analysis and creation.

Other choices, while relevant in their specific contexts, do not encapsulate the broader definition of vocabulary as it pertains to the entirety of a language. For example, the set of words used in a poem speaks more to a particular instance of vocabulary rather than the concept as a whole. Similarly, art terms and scientific vocabulary are subsets of vocabulary related to their respective fields but do not reflect the overall totality of a language's vocabulary. Understanding vocabulary in this broad sense allows for a deeper appreciation of language and its capabilities in literature and beyond.