/ tækˈsɒnəmi; NAmE -ˈsɑːnə-/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] the scientific process of classifying things (= arranging them into groups) :
plant taxonomy
2.
[ C ] a particular system of classifying things
► taxo·nom·ic / ˌtæksəˈnɒmɪk; NAmE -ˈnɑːmɪk/ adjective
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent.: coined in French from Greek taxis arrangement + -nomia distribution.