English dictionary · noun

ontology

The branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being.

Meaning and definitions

1. The branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being.
2. In a subject view, or a world view, the set of conceptual or material things or classes of things that are recognised as existing, or are assumed to exist in context, and their interrelations; in a body of theory, the ontology comprises the domain of discourse, the things that are defined as existing, together with whatever emerges from their mutual implications.
3. The theory of a particular philosopher or school of thought concerning the fundamental types of entity in the universe.

Connected roots

• log-

  word, speech, reason

Explore the word family

These words share a recorded root connection. A shared root is a learning clue; it does not establish every step in a word’s history.

• technology

  the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes

• psychology

  the scientific study of the human mind and its functions

• dialogue

  a conversation between two or more people

• biology

  the study of living organisms

• apology

  An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).

• ideology

  Doctrine, philosophy, body of beliefs or principles belonging to an individual or group.

• theology

  the study of the nature of God and religious belief

• catalogue

  a complete list of items arranged systematically

• trilogy

  A set of three connected works—usually dramas, literary pieces, films, or musical compositions—all related by theme, characters, or setting.

• sociology

  A social science that studies society, human social interaction, patterns of social relationships, and the interactions of culture. Through both theory and applied research, it engages subject matters across a range of microanalysis, mesoanalysis, and macroanalysis.

• geology

  the science of the earth's physical structure and substance

• ecology

  The branch of biology dealing with the relationships of organisms with their environment and with each other.

• analog

  In which the value of a data item (such as time) is represented by a continuous(ly) variable physical quantity that can be measured (such as the shadow of a sundial).

• anthropology

  the study of human societies, cultures, and their development

• mythology

  The collection of myths of a people, concerning the origin of the people, history, deities, ancestors and heroes.

• physiology

  the branch of biology dealing with the functions of living organisms

• pathology

  the science of the causes and effects of diseases

• archaeology

  the study of human history through excavation and analysis of remains

• anthology

  A collection of literary works, such as poems or short stories, especially a collection from various authors.

• dialog

  Uncommon spelling of dialogue.

• morphology

  A scientific study of form and structure, usually without regard to function. Especially:

• astrology

  Divination about human affairs or natural phenomena from the relative positions of celestial bodies.

• oncology

  The branch of medicine concerned with tumors, including study of their development, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

• genealogy

  a line of descent traced from an ancestor

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