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What is Terminology?
Definition of Terminology
Vocabulary used in a particular field or subject area. Terms can exist in multiple structures (e.g., keyword lists, glossaries, taxonomies, thesauri, ontologies).
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Terms of Interest to EPA
The following are of interest to the EPA:
- Vocabularies created and maintained by EPA program offices, state environmental programs, and international environmental organizations
- Vocabularies associated with environmental laws and regulations
- Environmental terms commonly understood by the public
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Terminology Structures
Methods for organizing terms based on areas of interest, usage, or concepts. Terms are organized in structured vocabularies. These include:
- Glossaries (words and their definitions)
- Keyword Lists (lists of words in a subject category with or without definitions that are often used in drop down or pick lists)
- Taxonomies (hierarchical term lists that contain synonyms and relationships such as "broader than", "narrower than", "use for", etc.)
- Thesauri (taxonomies with definitions and relationships)
- Ontologies (terms connected by a rich web of relationships) are not currently available but will be included as they are developed.
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Language of Terminology
See the Terminology Services Glossary.
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