TS ISO 860

TS ISO 860 addresses the methodological harmonization of concepts, concept systems, definitions and terms in terminology work. It provides a framework for bringing naming practices and meaning relationships into a more coherent structure, especially where several sources or languages are involved in the same technical field.

What harmonization means in terminology work

In terminology management, the concept comes first, followed by the definition and then the term that names it. A concept system shows how concepts relate to one another, for example through broader, narrower or associative links. This structure helps clarify meaning boundaries, not just word choice, and is especially useful when technical communication must remain consistent across languages, documents or databases.

The focus of this standard is a methodological approach to harmonization. In other words, it is about the general framework for organising concepts and the terms that represent them, rather than a list of specific terms. In practice, this kind of guidance supports terminology work, documentation, standardization and information organisation by making shared language easier to establish and maintain.

Why the subject matters in technical contexts

In general technical practice, harmonized terminology helps reduce mismatches between names used for the same concept in translation, technical writing, database design, product classification and standardization work. It improves the comparability of terminology resources and supports clearer communication between specialists.

• Concept: a unit of thought or meaning defined within a subject field
• Concept system: the structure created by relationships among concepts
• Definition: a statement that states the distinctive characteristics of a concept
• Term: a linguistic designation for a concept
• Harmonization: aligning different usage forms within one consistent framework