Orismology

Orismology (/ˌɒrəzˈmɑːlədʒi/ or-əz-MAWL-ə-jee[1]) is either a collection of terminological explanations or the science of defining technical terms.

Orismology is particularly applicable to the analysis and the writing of stipulative, normative definitions that explain and delimit the use of technical terms.

"[2] This approach to definition is particularly applied to disciplines in natural sciences like Kirby and Spence's entomology that depend upon classificatory schemes, such as taxonomies and ontologies, to organize, name, and address their subject matter.

"[citation needed] The Imperial Dictionary (1882) reported that orismology is "that branch of natural history which relates to the explanation of the technical terms of the science.

"[citation needed] In Elk's view,[3] orismology includes etymology and should not be confused with terminology, which focuses on current and immediate interpretations of words.