systematics

[ sis-tuh-mat-iks ]

/ ˌsɪs təˈmæt ɪks /

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noun (used with a singular verb)

the study of systems or of classification.

Biology.

the study and classification of organisms with the goal of reconstructing their evolutionary histories and relationships.
phylogenetic classification.

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Origin of systematics

First recorded in 1885–90; see origin at systematic, -ics

Words nearby systematics

systematically, systematic desensitization, systematic error, systematic name, systematic phoneme, systematics, systematism, systematist, systematize, systematized delusion, systematology

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use systematics in a sentence

The application of Etheridge's findings to anoline systematics must await the completion of his study.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michoacn, Mxico|William E. Duellman
Dogmatics, systematics, dialectics were what everybody wanted.
The Influence of the Bible on Civilisation|Ernst Von Dobschutz
Likewise the professor was bound first for two or three years to teach Biblical matters before he could touch upon systematics.
The Influence of the Bible on Civilisation|Ernst Von Dobschutz
For there will not be very much for philosophy to learn from biological systematics at present.
The Science and Philosophy of the Organism|Hans Driesch

A new question seems to arise at this point: Have not we ourselves neglected history in favour of systematics and laws?
The Science and Philosophy of the Organism|Hans Driesch

British Dictionary definitions for systematics

systematics

/ (ˌsɪstɪˈmætɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of systems and the principles of classification and nomenclature

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