Evaluation Criteria for Naming Concepts

Below is a list of criteria for what is a good name. Contributors have been encouraged to reference these criteria when proposing glossary entries. As an example of this use, the occurrence of ``+E1'' in a glossary entry indicates that the name in question satisfies criterion E1. Reversely, ``-E1'' indicates that E1 is not satisfied. The criteria are sometimes conflicting, making the choice of names a difficult and challenging task. While this list is comprehensive, it is not complete.

E1

The naming of concepts should be orthogonal. Parallel concepts should have parallel names.

E2

Names should be easy to write, i.e., they should be short or possess a short acronym, should be easily pronounced (the name or its acronym), and should be appropriate for use in subscripts and superscripts.

E3

Already widely accepted names are preferred over new names.

E4

Names should be open-ended in the sense that the name of a concept should not prohibit the invention of a parallel name if a parallel concept is defined.

E5

The creation of homographs and homonyms should be avoided. Names with an already accepted meaning, e.g., an informal meaning, should not be given an additional meaning.

E6

The naming of concepts should be conservative. No name is better than a bad name.

E7

New names should be consistent with related and already existing and accepted names.

E8

Names should be intuitive.

E9

Names should be precise.