DTIC Thesaurus

The Thesaurus provides a broad, multi-disciplinary subject-term vocabulary that aids in information search and retrieval. Subject terms, called Descriptors, are organized into hierarchies, where series of narrower terms are linked to broader terms.

Terms of Use

The DTIC Thesaurus is not copyrighted. No license is needed to use it.
DTIC assumes no responsibility for any party's use or the results of such use of the DTIC thesaurus.
Identify DTIC as the originator of the thesaurus, especially if disseminating a modified version of the original.
The download does not guarantee your receipt of future updates.

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Term Explanation

DTIC has developed and employs a controlled vocabulary of descriptors to group significant concepts and terms. These display as Descriptors in DTIC metadata.

DESCRIPTOR ENTRY EXPLANATION

a. Descriptor - A main entry appearing in boldface type which represents a significant class of concepts used for indexing and retrieval.
b. Scope Note - Exists when necessary to further define or limit the meaning or usage of a descriptor. NOTE: A date immediately preceding a scope note denotes the year and month the term was established as an authorized DTIC descriptor.
c. Used For (UF) - The descriptor at the main entry is to be used for any term following this notation. Reciprocates with use reference.
d. Used For Combination (UFC) - The descriptor at the main entry together with one or more other descriptors are to be used for any term following this notation. Reciprocates with multiple use reference.
e. Broader Term (BT) - Descriptors following this notation represent a broader class which includes the main entry descriptor. NOTE: An (*) symbol in front of a BT indicates the existence of broader generic levels of terms.
f. Narrower Term (NT) - Descriptors following this notation are within the class of concepts represented by the main entry descriptor. NOTE: An (*) symbol in front of a NT indicates the existence of narrower generic levels of terms.
g. Use Reference - Refers the user to one or more preferred main entry descriptors. Always reciprocates with UF and UFC references.

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Subject Categories