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Synonyms

terminology

American  
[tur-muh-nol-uh-jee] / ˌtɜr məˈnɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

terminologies
  1. the system of terms belonging or peculiar to a science, art, or specialized subject; nomenclature.

    the terminology of botany.

  2. the science of terms, as in particular sciences or arts.


terminology British  
/ ˌtɜːmɪnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌtɜːmɪˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. the body of specialized words relating to a particular subject

  2. the study of terms

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of terminology

1795–1805; < Medieval Latin termin ( us ) term + -o- + -logy

Explanation

Terminology is vocabulary associated with a certain field of study, profession, or activity. Knowing the terminology is an important part of being able to work in a given profession. When your nuclear physicist friends start talking shop and it suddenly sounds like they are speaking a different language, they are probably using nuclear physics terminology. Education terminology includes "rubric," "lesson plan," "pop quiz," "term paper," "student engagement." Medical terminology includes "blood work," "CVC," "scalpel," "set." Lawyers sometimes use legal terminology such as "forthwith," "heretofore" and "the part of the first part" to intimidate people they might want to threaten to sue. It works.

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Vocabulary lists containing terminology

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sky Zoo and Terminology just came up with a dope cut.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2023

And there have been stumbles, including a woefully off cue marketing video amid the pandemic that depicted a woman in pink scrubs reading “Medical Terminology for Dummies” — upside down.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2021

Terminology can be prohibitive when you’re first investigating studio classes.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2019

Terminology was clarified, and the aha moment came.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2018

With the advance of Science, civilized nations surrender such Beliefs; but they do not therefore revolutionize their Terminology.

From The Revision Revised by Burgon, John William

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