Catalogue

Definition

Catalogue refers to a systematic list of items, often arranged alphabetically or by category. It is typically used to organize objects, such as books, goods, or collections, for easy reference. The term is also used as a verb, meaning to create or maintain such a list.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/
• Respelling: KAT-uh-lawg

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkætəlɒɡ/
• Respelling: KAT-uh-log

Etymology

The word "catalogue" comes from the Greek word "katalogos," meaning "a list or register." It is derived from the verb "katalegein," which means "to count up" or "to enumerate." The term passed into Late Latin as "catalogus" and entered English in the early 15th century.

Derivatives

• Catalog (noun/verb, American spelling)
• Cataloger (noun)
• Cataloging (noun)
• Recatalogue (verb)
• Catalogued (verb)

Synonyms

• Inventory
• List
• Register

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "catalogue" is commonly used in libraries, retail, and museums to refer to a detailed listing of items. For example, "The library’s catalogue contains over 50,000 books." As a verb, it means to organize or compile items into such a list, as in "She catalogued the artifacts in the museum." It can also refer to organizing ideas or information in other fields like research or education.

Related Terms

• Index: An ordered list of topics, names, or subjects, usually found at the end of a book.
• Archive: A collection of historical records or the place where they are kept.
• Database: A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A systematic list of items: Refers to an organized list, often used to describe the arrangement of objects in a library, museum, store, or similar environment.
  • Example: "The museum’s catalogue lists every piece of art in the collection."

Verb

• To list items systematically: Describes the act of organizing items into a systematic list for easier reference or analysis.
  • Example: "She catalogued all the books in her personal library."