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Dictionary

Short Description​

A Dictionary is an alphabetically sorted list of terms and explanations. Each term may have multiple such explanations, which come from different scopes/contexts.

The terminology pattern provides an overview of how this concept fits in with related concepts.

Purpose​

A dictionary helps people to get introduced in the domain for which the dictionary is created. Usually, this is a larger domain e.g. of some language, or about computer security.

Criteria​

an alphabetical list of words or phrases with possibly multiple, short explanations, that exists for the purpose of helping people to find out what a word may mean in various scopes/contexts.

Examples​

Examples include the NIST Computer Security Resource Center, Merriam-Webster.

  • Glossary - this is a list of words with a single meaning, that serves more specific purposes than a dictionary.
  • Vocabulary - this is a set of familiar words witin a particular/persons's language or field of expertise. A Dictionary can provide the various meanings of each such words.