classification

Everyday

1. Sorting things into groups or classes by what they have in common: the classification of animals. tree →
2. A group or class that something is put into: the classification "mammal". tree →
3. (formal) An official level or category, such as a film rating or a secret document's level. tree →

In the lessons

In science, classification sorts living things (vertebrates and invertebrates; mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians) and materials (solids, liquids, gases) using keys. In maths, shapes and numbers are classified (odd/even, prime, triangles by sides). Phrases: classification key, system of classification, classification of.

Examples

• We made a classification key to sort the leaves. tree →
• The classification of animals puts whales with mammals, not fish. tree →
• Shapes can be classified by number of sides. tree →
• What is the classification of a frog? It is an amphibian. tree →
• Libraries use a classification system to shelve books. tree →
• The film's classification is PG. tree →

Note

Verb: classify (classifies, classified). Countable for a group, uncountable for the act. Trap: classification depends on features you choose — a bat flies but is classified as a mammal, not a bird.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Westcott notes that Sefer Yetzirah sorts the letters into groups of three, seven and twelve. The tradition reads these groups as the pattern behind the world, the year and the soul. In the primary lessons: In science, classification sorts living things (vertebrates and invertebrates; mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians) and materials (solids, liquids, gases) using keys. In maths, shapes and numbers are classified (odd/even, prime, triangles by sides). Phrases: classification key, system of classification, classification of.

Examples

• This is the modern classification of the letters into guttural, palatal, lingual, dental and labial sounds. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• The classification of the Hebrew letters into a Triad, Heptad and Dodekad, runs through the whole philosophy of the Kabalah. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Verb: classify (classifies, classified). Countable for a group, uncountable for the act. Trap: classification depends on features you choose — a bat flies but is classified as a mammal, not a bird.