What aspect of language does the term "semantics" refer to?

The term "semantics" specifically refers to the study of meaning in language. This includes how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning. In the context of linguistics, semantics involves understanding the relationship between signifiers, such as words and phrases, and what they represent in the real world or within a particular discourse.

Focusing on the other options, sentence structure pertains to syntax, which deals with how words are arranged to form coherent sentences. Sound patterns are related to phonetics and phonology, which examine the sounds of speech and their organization. Language use connects to pragmatics, which studies how context influences the interpretation of communication. Thus, semantics uniquely addresses the specific aspect of word meaning, making it the correct choice in this instance.