What is Nomenclature: Definition and 104 Discussions

Nomenclature (UK: , US: ) is a system of names or terms, or the rules for forming these terms in a particular field of arts or sciences. The principles of naming vary from the relatively informal conventions of everyday speech to the internationally agreed principles, rules and recommendations that govern the formation and use of the specialist terms used in scientific and any other disciplines.Naming "things" is a part of general human communication using words and language: it is an aspect of everyday taxonomy as people distinguish the objects of their experience, together with their similarities and differences, which observers identify, name and classify. The use of names, as the many different kinds of nouns embedded in different languages, connects nomenclature to theoretical linguistics, while the way humans mentally structure the world in relation to word meanings and experience relates to the philosophy of language.
Onomastics, the study of proper names and their origins, includes: anthroponymy (concerned with human names, including personal names, surnames and nicknames); toponymy (the study of place names); and etymology (the derivation, history and use of names) as revealed through comparative and descriptive linguistics.
The scientific need for simple, stable and internationally accepted systems for naming objects of the natural world has generated many formal nomenclatural systems. Probably the best known of these nomenclatural systems are the five codes of biological nomenclature that govern the Latinized scientific names of organisms.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. S

    R.S Cahn/Ingold Nomenclature Help

    Here is the problem: http://i.imgur.com/Eltwj.png I understand the nomenclature rules but this problem has been confusing me. From my understanding, the CH2NH2 would have a higher priority than the CN, because of the hydrogens. This wold mean that if I rotated the lowest priority back (the #4...
  2. M

    C nomenclature in aminoacids

    hello! biological aminoacids are named a-aminoacids, because their functional unit is in a-carbon what is called a-carbon? thanks!
  3. C

    Confused about the nomenclature of this compound (CrO3)

    So I'm a little confused about the nomenclature of this compound (CrO3). is it chromium (VI) oxide? chromic acid? and then Cr2O3 is just plain Chromium (III) oxide right?
  4. J

    IUPAC Nomenclature: 3-Chlorobutane-1,2-diol

    Homework Statement Give the IUPAC name of the following compound ＯＨ　　Cl ｜　　　｜ Ｃ－Ｃ－Ｃ－Ｃ 　　｜ 　　ＯＨ (Note:Hydrogen atoms are not drawn) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Model answer:3-chlorobutane-1,2-diol Why it is called 3-chlorobutane-1,2-diol instead of...
  5. 1

    Aromatic Nomenclature: Name This Compound

    Homework Statement I have attached the picture of the compound .I can't figure the name , and the aromatic nomenclature is making me dizzy.:cry::cry: Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know ether is named as alkoxy benzene and 2 benzene ring attached is called...
  6. H

    Feedbackon a proposed baryon nomenclature

    I'm not really sure if this is the best place to ask this, but I'm doing a master's on a new hadron nomenclature. As part of it, I'm currently writing an article on baryon names, which I'm probably going to submit it to Physical Review D after my supervisors give the thumbs up. (I'm not really...
  7. C

    Did I define this correctly? (IUPAC System of nomenclature)

    Just to be sure, is this: 2-chloro,4-ethyl heptane ? edit- i noticed i left out the hydrogens in the ethyl, pretend they r there :)
  8. C

    How can BINAP be named without chiral centres using the R S nomenclature?

    Can someone tell me how to name BINAP R or S? IT has NO chiral centres and I haven't got a clue of how to name it!
  9. O

    Exploring the Binomial Nomenclature of Animals: The Case of Cuniculus

    I decided to be clever and name my computer Cuniculus (so the prompt will be [oryctolagus@cuniculus], hurr). I've always explained that my handle was the genus to which the European rabbit belonged. So what is cuniculus? The species to which the Euopean rabbit belongs? The reason why I ask is...
  10. T

    Organic Chemistry Nomenclature

    Homework Statement 4-isopropyl-2,5-octene or 4-isopropyl-2,5-dioctene? 2. The attempt at a solution 4-isopropyl-2,5-octene
  11. E

    Chemistry Nomenclature, molecular mass, moles help (attempted problems already)

    Alright, below are screen captures of some work that I'm tackling. They show my attempts and answers at the problems. I would like to know whether I'm correct or wrong and how to correct the mistakes. The one I need most help with is, the one where you're given density and asked to find...
  12. P

    Organic chemistry nomenclature

    What do the indices 6 and 13 stand for in 6,13-pentacenequinone? I know that is related to the position of the substituents in the molecule, but I cannot figure out how to interpret it. Can some one point me to a reference where the basics the nomenclature are explained? Thanks,
  13. Matterwave

    Some confusion regarding nomenclature

    Hi guys, I often see the terms: "Outer product", "tensor product", "direct product", and "dyadic product" sometimes used interchangeably...do these 4 terms all mean the same thing, or were they all developed in different fields and some people refer to some as one thing and some as another thing...
  14. Y

    Question about chemical nomenclature

    I want to know why there are cis- and trans form of 1,3dibromo-1,3-dimethylcyclobutane? and anybody explain it to me thanks a lot
  15. M

    What is the molecular weight of Pluronic F-127?

    I'm mainly concerned with Pluronic F-127. I want to know it's molecular weight. On one source, it says that the molecular weight is roughly 12k Da. On the other hand, (and this is from wikipedia) it suggests that the 'F' stands for 'flake' or solid at room temperature, and the first 2 digits...
  16. J

    About the nomenclature of scientific classification of life.

    Hi, all! As I'm new to biology and life science, I'm interested in the classification system of life. However it's hard for me to memorize those seemingly Latin words of all kinds of lives. For example, I've absolutely no idea what 'Escherichia' means in Escherichia coli. Do you know...
  17. S

    Why is sucralose also known as trichlorosucrose in nomenclature?

    Why is sucralose also called trichlorosucrose? Is this alternate name correct in the nomenclature sense? Why are the positions of the chlorine atoms not indicated in “trichlorosucrose”, and why is it not indicated in this term that the molecule lacks OH groups on the respective carbons by...
  18. G

    How do you name nonmetal binary compounds in chemistry nomenclature?

    Homework Statement my book says that for nonmetal binary compounds that like you name the first element first than the next element with the proper prefix indicating how many atoms there are of that element CO Carbon monoxide Makes sense but it also says no prefixes are used for...
  19. A

    Where Can I Find Resources for Building an RC Heli?

    I wanted to build a RC Heli., can anyone tell me all the parts to make a RC heli(helicopter)..? or a website that contains it..
  20. A

    Nomenclature of high symmetry points in the bandstructure

    Can anyone help me how the high symmetry points in the bandstructure are named. I know a few rules which are as listed below: * Points (and lines) inside the Brillouin zone are denoted with Greek letters. * Points on the surface of the Brillouin zone with Roman letters. * The...
  21. S

    What is the correct way to name alkanes with multiple branches?

    [b]1. This is my first posting, I am having trouble naming alkanes. I believe my first two problems are correct, but am unsure. The third problem I am having trouble with. I am just not sure what to name the branches coming off the carbon chain. [b]2. 1. (CH3)2CHCH(CH3)2 2...
  22. L

    Chemical Nomenclature: Learn Names, Formulas & More

    Are there any good websites to learn chemical names? I can only find ones that teach a few things, but not everything. I need to be able to know the chemical name just by looking at the formula and vice versa.
  23. P

    What Does Subtracting the Identity from a Transformation Mean in Nomenclature?

    Hello everyone, I have a question about nomenclature and it may be a bit more than simple nomenclature as I am not quite sure I understand it: So, I am reading a paper and going through it very slowly as it is quite intense. But one of the line is as follows: Suppose the transformation...
  24. I

    How do I name a cycloheptane with three substituents using organic nomenclature?

    Homework Statement Hello all. Im not sure how to get the image of the organic compound i need to name on here, but I think I can do a good job of describing it. The compound I need to name is a cycloheptane with three substituents on it. These substituents are bonded to three consecutive...
  25. A

    Mastering OChem Nomenclature: Solving 3 Challenging Problems

    I'm trying to finish my ochem homework, but I'm having difficulty solving these 3 problems. I'm suppose to name 2 of them while the third asks me to draw the model. Hopefully someone can take their time and help me. First problem: http://imgur.com/3FJEi.png Second problem...
  26. A

    What Is the Correct Name for This Organic Compound?

    Trying to finish some online ochem homework, but I'm having trouble with this one. I'm suppose to name the compound shown in the diagram attached, but apparently it's not right. Can someone help me with this one? (Diagram: http://imgur.com/n2yGz.png )
  27. K

    Quick question: Hydrocarbon nomenclature

    I just have a quick question about hydrocarbon nomenclature: When picking the "parent chain", I know that you're supposed to pick the one with the longest carbon chain... does the parent chain always have to have the double/triple bonds? Or can the double/triple bonds be located in a sidechain...
  28. R

    -ene Nomenclature (semi-structural formulas)

    Hi, I was just confused as to the semi-structural formula nomenclature of -ene and -yne structures. The thing that I don't understand is the = sign in the formula. For example: CH3CH2CH=CH2 What does that equals sign mean? Does it represent where the double bond is located? If so...
  29. D

    Naming IUPAC Polymer with MAA, Trim, AIBN & BTRB

    Can someone please help me name (IUPAC) a polymer, polymerized by using methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomer, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (Trim) as cross-linker, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as radical initiator and butyl rhodamine B (BTRB) Thanx
  30. R

    Organic Nomenclature - Benzenes

    http://chemistry.boisestate.edu/people/richardbanks/organic/nomenclature/aromatic3.gif is called o-methylethylbenzene, why isn't it instead called o-ethylmethylbenzene? I thought it was alphabetical
  31. Moonbear

    Support groups: preconceptions and nomenclature

    While having a discussion with my students this week, a topic came up that I found interesting, and was wondering what other people's views were on it. We were talking about patient compliance with treatment (for diabetes in this case) and the role and availability of support groups. The...
  32. A

    Chemistry Basics: Learn Chemical Nomenclature

    Any good sites for it? I'm just starting chemistry, so none of that complex crap. Just the basics will be good. Thank you.
  33. J

    Confirming the Nomenclature of C(triplebond)C-CH2-CH3

    This is a question which i just want to make sure of.. C(triplebond)C-CH2-CH3 so this would be called butyne but can it also be called 1-butyne
  34. T

    Daft heat transfer nomenclature question

    Heres's my question: is the "diffusion" part of convection (which I understand to be advection + diffusion) equivalent to simple conduction? This is of course assuming an incompressible fluid such that no natural convection is possible. I hope this is clear and to the point enough, but...
  35. A

    Easy Question, Nuclear Nomenclature

    Homework Statement What does ^{3}H(d,n)^{4}He mean? I assume it means Helium goes to tritium or is it the other way around? Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution N/A
  36. X

    Chemical Formulas and Nomenclature: Understanding P(4), H(2), Br(2), and I(2)

    What is this chemical formula called P(4)? *the 4 is the subscript would it be tetraphosphorus? and also chemical formulas like H(2), Br(2), and I(2) just called hydrogen, bromine and iodine? *numbers are subscripts
  37. S

    Nomenclature Of Complex Ions

    Homework Statement I'm having trouble with naming complex ions. My textbook has given me a few rules but the examples they give seem to contradict them. These are all the rules I know, can someone tell me if they are right and if I am missing any? Homework Equations Start naming with...
  38. K

    Organic Chemistry - Nomenclature Structures

    The question/direction is to: "Draw the structure of the following compound!" 2-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)octane I tired several different ways of constructing this compound but the online homework program ACE Organic says that: I don't know what to do or what I am missing. If anyone can...
  39. S

    IUPAC nomenclature assistance request

    Homework Statement My professor set us an online quiz in IUPAC nomenclature. I managed to get all of the problems correct, except for one. The graphic shows the molecule and my attempt at a solution. http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/8673/14ne9.gif The attempt at a solution If you can't...
  40. R

    Number Carbon Atoms IUPAC Nomenclature

    Please tell me how to number the carbon atoms in the longest chain. How can I simultaneously have the smallest positions for all the functional and alkyl groups at the same time??
  41. B

    Quick Organic Chem Nomenclature Question

    Homework Statement I am to draw a structural diagram of 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptyne. 2. The attempt at a solution ----------CH3 CH=C-CH2-CH-CH2-CH2-CH3 ---CH3 I tried just using spaces but it wouldn't indent them so I used hyphens. Now, I'm fairly certain my answer is correct (one of...
  42. Bystander

    Conventions on Nomenclature and Practices

    Google "IUPAB" and get http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22international+union+of+pure+and+applied+biology%22&btnG=Search , a short list indicating very little activity. Is there some sort of professional standards group recommending practices and nomenclature in the life science...
  43. M

    Where can I find helpful resources for learning nomenclature in chemistry?

    Does anybody have any good links to any sites that have good techniques for nomenclature (binary compounds, acids, etc.). I am so lost with this. Chemistry is not my cup o' tea.:mad: Thanks!
  44. B

    Naming Polymer Structures: A Quick Guide

    How would I name the polymer in the attached image?
  45. N

    Is a Stirling Cycle Engine Still Valid with an Open Cold Reservoir?

    Let's say that I have a stirling motor designed in such a way that the cold reservoir is always at standard temperature and pressure (or at least very close to it). So, if I were to put a hole in the cold reservoir there should be no effect on the engine running, but it might exchange air...
  46. Cyrus

    Strain: Result of Suddenly Applied Load

    This kind of had me puzzled for the last week. If you apply a tensile stress on a body, it will elongate, and get a little bit thinner. The amount of stretch will be a function of the stresses. But then I started wondering, "Well, if that’s the case, then it will stretch and get a little...
  47. S

    Organic Nomenclature and Simple Reactions

    Hello. Can someone please check my work and help me with these problems. I'm sorry it is so long. Predict and balance the following organic equation. -------------------------------------------------------- 1. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is burned completely in air C2H5OH + 3O2 >...
  48. Math Is Hard

    Ic suffix in chem nomenclature

    What does the ic suffix mean in compound names? For instance ferric, plumbic, cupric? I'm guessing it has something to do with the charge on the metal ion? I have some nomenclature rules from my teacher but this isn't covered. Thanks.
  49. N

    Learn IUPAC Nomenclature for Organic Compounds

    Can anybody tell me a good site for learning IUPAC Nomenclature for Organic Compounds, please?
  50. M

    How Do You Correctly Name Chemical Complexes?

    I must name these substances a) [Cu(Cl4)]^2- b) Ag(NH3)2+ c) Cu(NH3)4SO4- d) Al(H2))6Cl3 Now I have read the rules regarding naming these, -Within the brackets the order- negative-charge, neutral and central. -The number of each ligand is indicated by greek prefixes -oxidation...
Back
Top