Ontology (Relational Vocabulary)

Definition of an Ontology

A type of relational controlled vocabulary, which provides for categories, relationships, rules and axioms among metadata values. Typically a hierarchy of terms, an ontology is a machine-readable way of relating metadata terminology.

Discussion

Ontologies are, by far, the most complex type of vocabulary. By definition, ontologies include Multi-Level Vocabularies, relationships, rules and axioms. They enable the assignment of properties, comparisons using the complete list of relationships, and derived conclusions, based on established rules.

Due to the complexity of ontologies, more complete guidance documents have been developed.
For more information, please visit the Ontologies section.