Terms and definitions · 3
Terms and definitions
The clause fixes the vocabulary. Entries appear in systematic order, an index sits at 3.1, and the terms fall into five groups: architecting, entity related ideas, architecture design, architecture description, and the life cycle of an entity.
What this unit settles
The vocabulary is the operative part of the document for most readers. It fixes 35 terms across the five categories and gives each a definition with notes. It points to the ISO, IEC and IEEE terminology databases and to ISO/IEC/IEEE 24765 for terms outside this document. The systematic order is deliberate, following the ISO/IEC Directives, with the index provided for lookup.
What to do in your practice
Adopt the 35 terms into the firm glossary with a local example for each. Where the firm uses a different word for the same idea, record the mapping rather than maintaining two languages. Where the firm uses the same word for a different idea, treat that as a defect to fix first.
Who it binds
The organisation and the architecture practice. This unit is not a shall requirement; the claim level states what it is.
Evidence an auditor or regulator asks for
- The firm glossary mapped to the 35 terms, with a local example per term.An auditor asks whether the firm uses a stable vocabulary.
- A list of local synonyms and the term they map to.Prevents two words for one idea and one word for two ideas.
- The glossary owner and review date.Shows the vocabulary is governed.
- A sample of descriptions checked against the glossary.Proves the glossary is used.
Common gaps this page catches
- The glossary is a tool export and is not mapped to the standard vocabulary.
- The same word carries different meanings in different teams.
- No one owns the glossary.
What to prepare before publication
Map the firm glossary to the 35 terms. Mark synonyms, conflicts and missing terms. Assign an owner and a review date. Fix the conflicts before adding new terms.
Common questions
- What does Terms and definitions mean in ISO 42024?
- The clause fixes the vocabulary. Entries appear in systematic order, an index sits at 3.1, and the terms fall into five groups: architecting, entity related ideas, architecture design, architecture description, and the life cycle of an entity.
- What evidence should we keep for 3?
- The firm glossary mapped to the 35 terms, with a local example per term. A list of local synonyms and the term they map to. The glossary owner and review date.
Related units
Source. ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 42024, Clause 3. Open the official record. Retrieved 21 October 2026.
https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso-iec-ieee:42024:dis:ed-1:v1:en
ISO catalogue record 87510, the status, stage and page count.
Claim level: definition set. The clause text is in the public preview, including all defined terms.
Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Markdown version · Check your practice