Taxonomy

usgb/tækˈsɑːnəmi/
noun

A system to classify and organize things based on their characteristics and relationships.

The scientist created a taxonomy of plants based on their characteristics.
Visual representation of "taxonomy" - A system to classify and organize things based on their characteristics and relationships.

Often appears as...

  • biological taxonomy
  • cultural taxonomy

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "taxonomy"
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Widespread Usage

Used beyond biology; for concepts, ideas or objects grouped by shared traits.

Illustration for Widespread Usage
The library uses a taxonomy to organize books by genre and author.
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Hierarchy Included

Taxonomy often implies a hierarchy from broad to specific categories.

Illustration for Hierarchy Included
The taxonomy of the company's services started with general categories.
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Not Always Fixed

Understand taxonomies can evolve as new characteristics or relationships are discovered.

Illustration for Not Always Fixed
The taxonomy of online communities is constantly updated with new platforms.
Visual representation of the word "Taxonomy"

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