Dewey decimal classification

noun

Dew·​ey decimal classification ˈdü-ē- 

 also  ˈdyü-

: a system of classifying books and other publications whereby main classes are designated by a 3-digit number and subdivisions are shown by numbers after a decimal point

called also Dewey decimal system

Word History

Etymology

Melvil Dewey

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Dewey decimal classification

noun

Dew·​ey decimal classification ˌd(y)ü-ē- 

: a system of library classification in which publications are assigned a number from 0 to 999 according to subject

called also Dewey decimal system

Etymology

named for Melvil Dewey 1851–1931 American librarian