ontology
noun
on·tol·o·gy än-ˈtä-lə-jē 
1
: a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
Ontology deals with abstract entities.
2
: a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence
ontologist
än-ˈtä-lə-jist
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Using an ontology model, consisting of multiple data sets that can be reused by different kinds of applications and for different uses, becomes a necessary step in data normalization. 
Shaun Cooley, Forbes, 18 July 2022 Using a solution based on standardized ontology and capable of extracting data through a single, secure connection provides the foundation for a common language for systems from different OEMs and manufacturers. Shaun Cooley, Forbes, 18 July 2022 Cyborg ontology is the brain-meld between self and computerized leg. The Cyborg Jillian Weise, Wired, 21 Dec. 2021 This checks out with my cyborg ontology, my cyborg brain. The Cyborg Jillian Weise, Wired, 21 Dec. 2021 This effort produced a few technologies that actually implemented semantic approaches, most notably resource description framework (RDF) and web ontology language (OWL). Bryon Jacob, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2021 This ontology is more fundamental than the frothy influencer economy. Hari Kunzru, Harper's Magazine, 22 June 2021 This plan, if successful, would build a common taxonomy and ontology that connects any piece of health data to any other for faster and more complete population analysis. Peter Hovstadius, STAT, 30 Mar. 2021 Its drama of willful obliviousness is elevated, through Losey’s aesthetic, into a cinematic ontology. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2019 See More
Shaun Cooley, Forbes, 18 July 2022 Using a solution based on standardized ontology and capable of extracting data through a single, secure connection provides the foundation for a common language for systems from different OEMs and manufacturers. Shaun Cooley, Forbes, 18 July 2022 Cyborg ontology is the brain-meld between self and computerized leg. The Cyborg Jillian Weise, Wired, 21 Dec. 2021 This checks out with my cyborg ontology, my cyborg brain. The Cyborg Jillian Weise, Wired, 21 Dec. 2021 This effort produced a few technologies that actually implemented semantic approaches, most notably resource description framework (RDF) and web ontology language (OWL). Bryon Jacob, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2021 This ontology is more fundamental than the frothy influencer economy. Hari Kunzru, Harper's Magazine, 22 June 2021 This plan, if successful, would build a common taxonomy and ontology that connects any piece of health data to any other for faster and more complete population analysis. Peter Hovstadius, STAT, 30 Mar. 2021 Its drama of willful obliviousness is elevated, through Losey’s aesthetic, into a cinematic ontology. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin ontologia, from ont- + -logia -logy
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1