In a hierarchical classification system, a descriptor that includes another term as a subclass, for example, "Libraries" listed as a broader term under "School libraries"
in a thesaurus, any term whose interpretation includes a given term and similar or related terms.
A term that represents a more general definition of another term. A thesaurus operator that allows the tracking of broader terms. Using broader term and narrower term operators, a thesaurus can establish a definition hierarchy. See also narrower term.
A term that represents a broader concept to other terms within the same class. The Broader Term (BT) is broader in scope than the terms below it in the Hierarchy. These are the Narrower Terms (NT). This relationship is also known as the "parent-child" or "generic" relationship. A Broader Term may have many narrower terms. A Narrower Term may itself be a Broader Term to other more specific terms below it in the hierarchy. For example narrow boat is the broader term of Birmingham day boat, which is the broader term of tube boat.
A term to which another term or multiple terms are subordinate in a hierarchy. In thesauri, the relationship indicator for this type of term is BT.
In a thesaurus, the broader term is the more general term. For example, furniture is a broader term than table.
A concept to which another concept is subordinate in a hierarchy. Also known as the "parent."
terme générique Indicating a concept with wider meaning relative to others. Source: National Archives of Australia