Skip to main content
terminology

terminology

58 5.6
Words people use in a subject or job
  • noun
  • /ˌtɜːrmɪˈnɑːlədʒi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : terminología
  • Before outlining the structure of this article, a few notes about terminology are warranted.
  • legal terminology
  • language terminology
  • terminology used

I think that's bad terminology, but here's the rationale.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • In medical terminology, OS is the abbreviation for the left eye.

  • But behind all the technical terminology is a critical human factor.

  • Restrictions have been placed on the use of American Indian terminology to identify geographic places.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Inconsistencies in language and terminology were noted throughout the review.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The term "Hispanic" is used to be consistent with the terminology used by the U.S. Census Bureau.

    Academic text (2008)
  • We also evaluated the terminology the radiologists used in their reports.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Each has its own, barely penetrable terminology, and claims to employ a unique analytic method.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In biology, the terminology used to describe species is crucial for clear communication.

  • The guide provides definitions for technical terminology related to computer programming.

  • Understanding legal terminology is essential for anyone studying law.

Synonyms

language
vsterminology
  • Jargon
600 4.8

A set of special words people use in a particular job or field

is the focused set of technical words rather than the full system
vocabulary
vsterminology
106 3.0

All the words and phrases used in a language or by a person

is the specialized subset used for technical or disciplinary work
jargon
vsterminology
43 7.2

Words used by a group or job that others cannot understand

refers to technical words used across a discipline rather than obscure group slang
lexicon
vsterminology
  • Specialized
12 7.0

All the words used by a person, language, or field

is narrower, focusing on technical vocabulary not all words
nomenclature
vsterminology
  • Specialized
10 8.6

A system of names people use in a field like medicine or science

focuses on general technical words rather than formal naming rules
vocab
vsterminology
  • Informal
2 7.7

The words a person knows and uses

is the formal, technical collection used in professional settings

How Technical

jargon
43 7.2
nomenclature
  • Specialized
10 8.6
terminology
  • Specialized
58 5.6
vocabulary
106 3.0

Surface Forms

terminology singular
terminologies plural

Morphology

terminology = term (semi-transparent) = term + ology

The word is built from 'term' plus the learned suffix '-ology', but the modern meaning has specialized to 'technical vocabulary' rather than the more literal 'study of terms'.

Etymology

Terminology comes from term, meaning 'a word for something', and the ending -ology, like in biology, meaning 'study'. So terminology is literally the 'study of terms' and today means the special or technical words used in a subject.