nomenclature
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for nomenclature, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The system of names used in a particular field, and the rules that govern how those names are formed.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The system of names used in a particular field, and the rules that govern how those names are formed.
“Binomial nomenclature gives every species a two-part Latin name.”
2. noun
The particular set of terms used by a group, trade or organisation.
“In military nomenclature, the vehicle is an M1151.”
How to use nomenclature
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal and academic. In everyday speech, "the names for things" or "terminology" is usually more natural.
Etymology
From Latin nomenclatura "a calling by name", from nomen "name" and calare "to call". A Roman nomenclator was the slave who whispered the names of approaching citizens to his master.
Full origin of nomenclature →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between nomenclature and terminology?
Terminology is simply the set of specialised words used in a field. Nomenclature is stricter: it implies a governed system in which names are assigned by rule, as in chemistry or biological taxonomy, so that each thing has one correct name.
What is binomial nomenclature?
It is the biological convention, formalised by Linnaeus, of naming each species with two Latin words: the genus, capitalised, followed by the species epithet in lower case, both italicised — for example Homo sapiens.
How do you pronounce nomenclature?
In American English it is usually NOH-men-klay-cher, with the stress on the first syllable. British speakers more often say noh-MEN-kluh-cher, stressing the second. Both are correct.