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Terminology, in its general sense, simply refers to the usage and study of terms — words and compound words generally used in specific contexts.
The term "terminology" may also refer to a more formal discipline which systematically studies of the labelling or designating of concepts particular to one or more subject fields or domains of human activity, through research and analysis of terms in context, for the purpose of documenting and promoting correct usage. This study can be limited to one language or can cover more than one language at the same time (multilingual terminology, bilingual terminology, and so forth).
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Terminology is defined by context, the study of terms primarily concerned with organizing them by the context in which they are used. These contexts may include:
The discipline of terminology is based on its own theoretical principles and consists primarily of the following aspects:
A distinction is made between two types of terminology:
Ad hoc terminology is prevalent in the translation profession, where a translation for a specific term (or group of terms) is required quickly to solve a particular translation problem.
As a discipline, terminology is related to translation alongside which it is often taught in universities and translation schools. Large translation departments and translation bureaus will often have a terminology section, or will require translators to do terminology research.