What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nomenclature
Example
The nomenclature of chemical compounds can be quite complex. [nomenclature: noun]
Example
The botanist used the nomenclature to identify the different species of plants. [nomenclature: noun]
terminology
Example
Medical terminology can be difficult to understand for non-experts. [terminology: noun]
Example
The linguist studied the terminology used in legal documents. [terminology: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terminology is more commonly used than nomenclature in everyday language. Terminology is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nomenclature is less common and refers specifically to the naming and classification of things in scientific or technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nomenclature and terminology?
Both nomenclature and terminology are associated with formal and technical language. However, nomenclature is typically used in more specialized and technical contexts, while terminology can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.