terminological

Everyday

1. (formal) Terminological means to do with the special words (terms) used in a subject: a terminological question is about which word to use. tree →
2. (formal, joking) «A terminological inexactitude» is a very polite way to say a lie. tree →

In the lessons

A formal, rare word used by teachers, writers and dictionary makers when talking about the right words for things, for example in science or maths («numerator» and «denominator»). Plain words: about words, about the names of things.

Examples

• The argument was only terminological; they agreed on the facts but used different words. tree →
• Scientists try to avoid terminological confusion by using the same names. tree →
• This is a terminological point: call it a «rhombus», not a «diamond». tree →
• The book has a terminological list at the back. tree →
• The politician's «terminological inexactitude» was really a lie. tree →

Note

Very formal and long: ter-mi-no-LOG-i-cal. From «terminology» (the special words of a subject) + «-ical». In everyday speech people just say «about the words» or «about the names».