Definition

1. Noun:
   • A library classification system: The Dewey Decimal System is a proprietary library classification system that organizes non-fiction publications into subject categories. Each subject is assigned a unique three-digit number, with further specification provided by numerals following a decimal point. Items are arranged on shelves in numerical order based on this classification number.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Most public libraries in the United States use the Dewey Decimal System to organize their book collections.
  • To find a book on biology, you need to look up its call number within the Dewey Decimal System.
  • The librarian explained how the Dewey Decimal System categorizes knowledge from 000 to 999.

Advanced Usage

• "to be classified under the Dewey Decimal System": to have a call number assigned according to this system.
  • All new non-fiction acquisitions are classified under the Dewey Decimal System before being shelved.

Variants and Related Words

• Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) (n): The full, formal name for the Dewey Decimal System.

  • The DDC is regularly updated to reflect new fields of knowledge.

• Call number (n): The unique alphanumeric code, based on a classification system like DDC, assigned to a library item to identify its subject and location.

  • The call number for this history book starts with 940.

Synonyms

• Library classification system: A general term for any system used to categorize library materials.
• Bibliographic classification system: A more formal term for a system that organizes books and other publications by subject.

Related Phrases

• "to shelve by Dewey number": to place books in physical order according to their Dewey Decimal Classification number.
  • Volunteers were trained to shelve by Dewey number accurately.

Related Idioms

(This term is a specific, technical noun and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. a system used by libraries to classify nonfictional publications into subject categories; the subject is indicated by a three-digit numeral and further specification is given by numerals following a decimal point; publications are shelved by number