terminology
Americannoun
plural
terminologies-
the system of terms belonging or peculiar to a science, art, or specialized subject; nomenclature.
the terminology of botany.
-
the science of terms, as in particular sciences or arts.
noun
-
the body of specialized words relating to a particular subject
-
the study of terms
Other Word Forms
- terminological adjective
- terminologically adverb
- terminologist noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing terminology
Power Suffix: -ology
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Freak the Mighty
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
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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.
Without clear terminology, it can be difficult to distinguish between structures formed by physical forces and those created by living organisms.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
They are ready and I’m loving it and they’re so hip to the game and they know the terminology so I just loved it, man.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026
The test was exactly how it was billed - a shakedown is motorsport terminology for giving a car a first run-out to make sure everything works.
From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026
It can help people clarify basic medical terminology.
From Salon • Jan. 20, 2026
Bond market terminology was designed less to convey meaning than to bewilder outsiders.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
