schema

1 an internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world [syn: scheme]

2 a schematic or preliminary plan [syn: outline, scheme] [also: schemata (pl)]

English

Etymology

From schema, from etyl grc σχῆμα, from . Compare scheme.

Pronunciation

• a UK /skiːmə/

Noun

1. An outline or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the mind.
2. A formal description of the structure of a database: the names of the tables, the names of the columns of each table, and the type and other attributes of each column. (And similarly for the descriptive information of other database-like structures, such as XML files.)

Derived terms

• conceptual schema
• logical schema
• physical schema

Related terms

• data model
• scheme

Translations

Italian

Noun

1. outline, schema, layout, diagram, plan, draft, project, arrangement
2. pattern, mould, norm

Synonyms

• (1) diagramma, tracciato, piano, abbozzo, progetto, disposizione
• (2) modello, struttura, norma

Related terms

• schematico
• schematismo
• schematizzare

The word schema comes from the Greek word "σχήμα" (skhēma), which means shape or more generally plan. The Greek plural is "σχήματα" (skhēmata). In English, both schemas and schemata are used as plural form, although only the latter is correct.

Schema may refer to:

• Model or Diagram
  • Schematic, a diagram that represents the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols
• Axiom schema, in formal logic

In computer science:

• Ontology (computer science), a data model that represents the relationships of a set of concepts within a domain
• XML schema, a way to define the structure, content and, to some extent, the semantics of XML documents
• Z specification language, part of a formal specification
• Database schema (disambiguation)
• Schema (genetic algorithms) or Schema (genetic programming), a set of programs or bit strings that have some genotypic similarity; usually specified by a template

In sciences:

• Schema (Kant), in philosophy the referencing of a category to a sense impression through time
• Schema (psychology), a mental set or representation
• Image schema, a recurring pattern of spatial sensory experience
• Formal logic, a rule describing a set of statements

Schema may also refer to:

• Schema (Orthodoxy), a degree of Orthodox monasticism
• Stereotype, a set of associated behaviors

See also

• Scheme (disambiguation)

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