taxonomy

American  

[tak-son-uh-mee] / tækˈsɒn ə mi /

noun

plural

taxonomies

1. the science or technique of classification.

2. a classification into ordered categories.

   a proposed taxonomy of educational objectives.

3. Biology. the science dealing with the description, identification, naming, and classification of organisms.

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taxonomy British  

/ tækˈsɒnəmɪ, ˌtæksəˈnɒmɪk /

noun

1. 1. the branch of biology concerned with the classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure, origin, etc

   2. the practice of arranging organisms in this way

2. the science or practice of classification

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taxonomy Scientific  

/ tăk-sŏn′ə-mē /

1. The scientific classification of organisms into specially named groups based either on shared characteristics or on evolutionary relationships as inferred from the fossil record or established by genetic analysis.

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taxonomy Cultural  

1. The classification of living things. (See Linnean classification.)

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Other Word Forms

• nontaxonomic adjective
• nontaxonomical adjective
• nontaxonomically adverb
• taxonomer noun
• taxonomic adjective
• taxonomical adjective
• taxonomically adverb
• taxonomist noun

Etymology

Origin of taxonomy

First recorded in 1805–15, taxonomy is from the French word taxonomie. See taxo-, -nomy

Example Sentences

While modern taxonomy may also rely on supporting materials such as photographs or genetic information, the holotype remains the primary reference point.

From Science Daily

"Our findings challenge the current classification of Little Foot and highlight the need for further careful, evidence-based taxonomy in human evolution," Dr. Martin said.

From Science Daily

He is now widely regarded as the founder of modern taxonomy after introducing the binomial naming system and formally describing more than 10,000 species of plants and animals.

From Science Daily

As the authors note, "New species continue to be discovered, exemplified by Lycodon irwini, highlighting the ongoing progress in taxonomy and the incomplete understanding of herpetofaunal diversity and distribution in the region."

From Science Daily

Plainly, what’s needed is a taxonomy of AI slop: which manifestations are merely nuisances, which are actually entertaining, which are threats to social or political order.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allocation
• allotment
• analysis
• arrangement
• coordination
• designation
• distribution
• grade
• regulation