systematics

Definition

The study of classification systems and nomenclature.

Etymology

From systematic + -ics.

Example Sentences

• "Systematics is intended to be the study of "qualitative" and structural aspects of all things in the universe; and if feasible, is designed to absorb eventually the "quantitative approach" of mathematics toward human and physical worlds as well. It is hoped that systematics will be able to develop a quantitative field and thus to enable it to incorporate mathematics into its realm of studies some time in the future."
• "Trees are the central objects of systematic analysis. Taxa are ordered, characters explained, and hypotheses tested on trees. Since systematics informs and draws on other areas of science, there is a diversity of terminology for trees and their components."
• "Systematics is an effort to understand those specifically theological affirmations that the theologian holds to be true and so regards as doctrines."