Dictionary > Order

Order

Definition
noun, plural: orders
(1) (taxonomy) A taxonomic rank used in classifying organisms, generally below the class, and comprised of families sharing a set of similar nature or character
(2) A succession or sequence, usually arranged in a series
Supplement
(Taxonomy) For instance, Class Mammalia includes Order Chiroptera (bats), Order Primates (primates), Order Carnivora (meat-eating mammals), Order Cetacea (whales and purpoises), Order Insectivora (insect-eaters), etc.
Order in a hierarchical classification of organisms is generally in between Class and Family. However, in certain forms of classification, other taxonomic ranks in between include the following:
Magnorder

Superorder

(Order)

Suborder

Infraorder

Parvorder
Word origin: Latin ōrdinem, ōrdō (row, rank, regular arrangement”)
Related term(s):

Mentioned in:

  • Animal Kingdom


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