systematics

American  

[sis-tuh-mat-iks] / ˌsɪs təˈmæt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the study of systems or of classification.

2. Biology.

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

   2. phylogenetic classification.

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systematics British  

/ ˌsɪstɪˈmætɪks /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of systematics

First recorded in 1885–90; systematic, -ics

Example Sentences

Professor Hoshino, an expert in plant systematics, founded the Institute of Viticulture and Enology at OUS in April 2017.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2025

Scientists in the field of systematics provide information on how organisms are similar or different.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Scientists use systematics programs to put together the phylogeny of an organism.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The goal of systematics is to organize living things into groups that have biological meaning.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

J. V.. Carus, who was convinced of the validity of physiological methods within their proper sphere, drew a sharp distinction between systematics and morphology on the one hand, and physiology on the other.

From Form and Function A Contribution to the History of Animal Morphology by E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell