systematics

[ sis-tuh-mat-iks ]
/ ˌsɪs təˈmæt ɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the study of systems or of classification.
Biology.
  1. the study and classification of organisms with the goal of reconstructing their evolutionary histories and relationships.
  2. phylogenetic classification.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of systematics

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

Words nearby systematics

systematic, 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. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for systematics

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