classify

views updated May 29 2018

clas·si·fy / ˈklasəˌfī/ • v. (-fies, -fied) [tr.] (often be classified) arrange (a group of people or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics: mountain peaks are classified according to their shape. ∎  assign (someone or something) to a particular class or category: elements are usually classified as metals or nonmetals. ∎  designate (documents or information) as officially secret or to which only authorized people may have access.DERIVATIVES: clas·si·fi·a·ble / ˌklasəˈfīəbəl/ adj.clas·si·fi·ca·to·ry / -fikəˌtôrē/ adj.

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