descrius

Descrius is a neologism used in some scholarly and technical discussions to denote a concise, structured description of a phenomenon, dataset, or object. A descrius emphasizes observable properties, relationships, and context, while intentionally avoiding causal or mechanistic claims. It is proposed as a descriptive counterpart to explanation or theory within knowledge representation and information-management discourse.

Origin and etymology: The term draws on the Latin descripere, meaning “to describe,” and the common -ius suffix used to form nominalizations in modern scientific vocabulary. It is not attested in classical Latin and is used mainly in contemporary, informal discussions as a technical label.

Definition and structure: A descrius typically comprises metadata-like content that documents what a system is, what it contains, how measurements were made, and how the parts relate. Core components may include name, category, properties, measurement methods, units, ranges, uncertainties, provenance, and links to related entities. The focus is on description rather than explanation.

Applications and relation to other concepts: In data science, archival science, and philosophy of science, descriuses can serve as descriptive records or descriptors that aid data reuse and cross-study comparison. They are distinguished from models or theories by not asserting causal mechanisms; they may accompany explanations as context. Related terms include metadata, data dictionaries, and descriptive models.

Status: The term remains informal and not standardized. It appears in a small set of scholarly blogs, preprints, or project documentation rather than in major journals. As such, its definition and scope may vary between communities.