tænomes

Tænomes are a term used in theoretical discussions of complex systems to denote a class of temporally extended phenomena that emerge from interactions within a system and are detectable only through specific analytical methods that reveal time-dependent structure.

Etymology and origin: The word tænomes is a neologism combining elements intended to evoke time (tæ) and phenomena (nomes), used to stress the temporal dimension of these patterns.

Characteristics: Tænomes are typically long-range, nonstationary, and sensitive to data representation. They may appear as recurring patterns, oscillations, or synchronizations that persist beyond a single dataset or observation.

Classification: Researchers distinguish at least two subtypes: pattern tænomes, which arise from the internal dynamics of a model or system; and perceptual tænomes, which become visible only after applying particular temporal analyses such as wavelet or time-series embeddings.

Examples and relevance: In climate science, a tænome could be a low-frequency mode that only emerges under certain detrending or filtering; in social dynamics, it might describe delayed feedback loops that shape long-term trends.

Criticism and status: Some scholars view tænomes as artefacts of modeling choices, while others treat them as legitimate epistemic entities that illuminate hidden temporal structure and causal pathways.

See also: emergence, time series analysis, complex systems.