nomenclature

noun

no·men·cla·ture | \ ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər also nō-ˈmen-klə-ˌchu̇r

, -ˈmeŋ-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

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

3a : 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

Other Words from nomenclature Synonyms Are nomenclature and Name Synonymous? More Example Sentences Learn More about nomenclature

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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.

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 on the Web

The dense remains of exploded, titanic stars — currently known as neutron stars — could be made of this stuff, begging an even cooler nomenclature: strange stars. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 In the context of American politics and design, the nomenclature for our current era is yet to be coined. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Remembering Decorating Legend Mario Buatta," 17 Oct. 2018 There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different N subtypes, leading to nomenclature like H3N1. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Llama “nanobodies” might grant universal flu protection," 5 Nov. 2018 The one product that elicits quite a bit of creative license in its marketing nomenclature: mascara. — Sable Yong, Allure, "Why Are Mascara Names So Damn Thirsty?," 25 Sep. 2018 The 570S has less power than the 650S (the nomenclature correlate to horsepower), but also lower weight — as little as 2,895 pounds, 70 pounds more than a Mini Cooper S automatic. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "The Palace of Perfectionism Where McLaren Supercars Are Born," 12 Feb. 2016 Anyway, evil is evil and quibbling about nomenclature is a waste of energy. — New York Times, "Letters to the Editor," 16 Feb. 2018 Of course, real estate nomenclature is as malleable as Play-Doh. — John Kelly, Washington Post, "A new D.C. building is coining a new neighborhood name — or resurrecting one," 19 June 2018 Since the late 80s, the man who releases prank calls as Longmont Potion Castle has created a DIY surrealist universe, complete with a ludicrous nomenclature all its own, disorienting sound collages, and bizarro instrumental interludes. — Jamie Ludwig, Chicago Reader, "Stephanie Marlow of Indie Publicity on a brutal band with a soft spot for pitties," 10 July 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.

History and Etymology for nomenclature

borrowed from Latin nōmenclātūra "assigning of names to things," from nōmen "name" + calātus, past participle of calāre "to announce, proclaim" + -ūra -ure — more at name entry 1, low entry 1

Note: The Latin word is formed after earlier nōmenclātor "slave tasked with telling his master the names of clients and others encountered publicly"—see nomenclator.

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Last Updated

14 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for nomenclature

The first known use of nomenclature was in 1610

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More Definitions for nomenclature

nomenclature

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nomenclature

formal : a system of names for things especially in science

See the full definition for nomenclature in the English Language Learners 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

Other Words from nomenclature

nomenclatural \ ˌnō-mən-ˈklāch-(ə-)rəl

\ adjective

nomenclaturally \ -ē

\ adverb

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