Definition of terminology noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

terminology

noun

OPAL W

/ˌtɜːmɪˈnɒlədʒi/

/ˌtɜːrmɪˈnɑːlədʒi/

[uncountable, countable]

(plural terminologies)

jump to other results

the set of technical words or expressions used in a particular subject
- The article avoids using too much medical terminology.
- The disagreement arose over a different use of terminology.
- Scientists are constantly developing new terminologies.
- The outer walls, in building terminology, are ‘double skin’.
Synonyms language
languagevocabulary ▪ terms ▪ wording ▪ terminologyThese are all terms for the words and expressions people use when they speak or write, or for a particular style of speaking or writing.
language a particular style of speaking or writing:
Give your instructions in everyday language.
the language of the legal profession
vocabulary all the words that a person knows or uses, or all the words in a particular language; the words that people use when they are talking about a particular subject:
to have a wide/limited vocabulary
The word has become part of advertising vocabulary.
terms a way of expressing yourself or of saying something:
I’ll try to explain in simple terms.
wording [usually sing.] the words that are used in a piece of writing or speech, especially when they have been carefully chosen:
It was the standard form of wording for a consent letter.
terminology (rather formal) the set of technical words or expressions used in a particular subject:
medical terminology
Scientists are constantly developing new terminologies.
Literary/poetic terminology is used for talking about literature or poetry. Literary/poetic language is used for writing in a literary or poetic style.
Patterns
- formal/informal/everyday language/vocabulary/terms
- business/scientific/technical/specialized language/vocabulary/terminology
- A word enters the language/the vocabulary.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adjective
- modern
- new
- basic
- …
verb + terminology
- use
- adopt
- borrow
- …
preposition
- in… terminology
See full entry
Word Originearly 19th cent.: from German Terminologie, from medieval Latin terminus ‘term’.

Want to learn more?

Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app.

See terminology in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee terminology in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

Check pronunciation: terminology

Nearby words

valid

adjective

From the Word list

OPAL written words

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day