systematics
|sys-te-mat-ics|
/ˌsɪstəˈmætɪks/
ordering, classifying by system
Etymology
'systematics' originates from New Latin and French formations ultimately based on Greek 'systema', where 'syn-' meant 'together' and the root (from Greek) conveyed 'a putting/arrangement'.
'systematics' changed through Medieval/Modern Latin 'systematicus' and French 'systématique' and entered English as 'systematic' and then the noun form 'systematics' for the study or practice of systems.
Initially it meant 'relating to a system or method', but over time it evolved into the more specialized modern sense of 'the scientific study of classification and relationships (especially in biology)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the scientific study of the diversity of organisms and their relationships, especially the classification and naming of organisms (includes taxonomy and phylogenetics).
She specializes in plant systematics and has described several new species.
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Noun 2
the quality or practice of arranging or organizing things methodically into a system (less technical, general use).
Good systematics in record-keeping makes retrieval much faster.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 08:13