nomenclature

noun no·men·cla·ture \ ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər also nō-ˈmen-klə-ˌchu̇r , -ˈmeŋ- , -chər , -ˌtyu̇r , -ˌtu̇r \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of nomenclature

1 : name, designation

… the changing nomenclature of her streets is even more baffling …
—Cornelia O. Skinner

2 : the act or process or an instance of naming

nomenclature … is at its simplest the task of assigning a name to each distinct species
—R. I. Smith

3 a : a system or set of terms or symbols especially in a particular science, discipline, or art

the nomenclature of inorganic chemistry

b : an international system of standardized New Latin names used in biology for kinds and groups of kinds of animals and plants

—

nomenclatural

play \ˌnō-mən-ˈklāch-rəl, -ˈklā-chə-\ adjective

See nomenclature defined for English-language learners

See nomenclature defined for kids

nomenclature was our Word of the Day on 05/18/2016. Hear the podcast!

Examples of nomenclature in a Sentence

the nomenclatures of zoology and chemistry
the nomenclature, “tuxedo,” derives from the fact that the jacket first became popular in the resort area of Tuxedo Park, New York

Recent Examples of nomenclature from the Web

The book’s ten sections are clearly laid out, with information about each plant’s cellular structure and proper nomenclature discretely tucked into the clear, expository text.

— barbara paul robinson, WSJ, "Green Thoughts," 11 Apr. 2018
This raises the question if even historical scientific names dedicated to dictators should be changed, which is usually not permitted under the zoological nomenclature rules.

— michael ohl, BostonGlobe.com, "From the Hitler beetle to the Beyoncé fly," 8 Apr. 2018
But memories of more than just nomenclature have faded.

— maria teresa hernandez, Fox News, "Reminders of centuries past emerge along Mexico City streets," 26 Mar. 2018
Madison writes of the confusing nomenclature of chicories and endive.

— jeanmarie brownson, chicagotribune.com, "Secrets to best salads: Freshness, crunch, balance and a surprise element," 15 Mar. 2018
Probably when someone decided the numeric nomenclature for the date, 3-14, was similar to the mathematical constant pi, 3.14.

— bob dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "West End Players presenting 'Shrek the Musical' at Waukesha West High School," 12 Mar. 2018
For years, athletic department officials at UCF have included a section in game notes packets explaining that the preferred nomenclature is UCF and not Central Florida, but few outside Florida have listened.

— andy staples, SI.com, "UCF's Follow-Up Act Will Be Just as Important as Its Flawless Season," 12 Mar. 2018
Well, boy it’s time to bring this piece of nomenclature to a close with best wishes and pleasant dreams to Harvard’s best ground crewman.

— jessica stahl, Washington Post, "‘Letters From War’: 1944-1945 – The end (full transcript)," 3 Jan. 2018
This is a story about the NHL’s two Sebastian Ahos simply because there are two Sebastian Ahos in the NHL, a nomenclature novelty that either speaks to hockey’s quirky universe or a growing lethargy among its gods.

— alex prewitt, SI.com, "For the NHL's Two Sebastian Ahos, the Similarities Run Deeper Than Their Name," 21 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nomenclature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Are nomenclature and Name Synonymous?

In his 1926 Dictionary of Modern English Usage, grammarian H. W. Fowler asserted that it was wrong to use nomenclature as a synonym for name; he declared that nomenclature could only mean "a system of naming or of names." It is true that nomenclature comes from the Latin nomenclatura, meaning "the assigning of names," but the name sense was the first to appear in English (it is documented as long ago as 1610), and it has been considered perfectly standard for centuries.

Origin and Etymology of nomenclature

Latin nomenclatura assigning of names, from nomen + calatus, past participle of calare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1610

See Words from the same year

nomenclature Synonyms

Synonyms

appellation, cognomen, denomination, denotation, designation, handle, moniker (also monicker), name, title;

family name, maiden name, middle name, surname;

byname, diminutive, epithet, nickname, sobriquet (also soubriquet);

banner, rubric, tag;

alias, nom de guerre, nom de plume, pen name, pseudonym;

binomial, monomial;

trivial name, vernacular;

misnomer;

brand name, label, trademark, trade name;

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, succulent, sylvan, xylem

NOMENCLATURE Defined for English Language Learners

nomenclature

noun

Definition of nomenclature for English Language Learners

: a system of names for things especially in science

Medical Dictionary

nomenclature

noun no·men·cla·ture \ ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər also nō-ˈmen-klə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˈmeŋ-, -klə-chər, -klə-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r \

medical Definition of nomenclature

: a system of terms used in a particular science; especially : an international system of standardized New Latin names used in biology for kinds and groups of kinds of animals and plants — see binomial nomenclature

—