hierarchical meaning: definition, etymology

hierarchical

adj

UK /ˌhaɪəˈɹɑːkɪkəl/ · CA, US /ˌhaɪˈɹɑɹkɪkəl/

Etymology From hierarchy + -ical; compare French hiérarchique.

Pertaining to a hierarchy (a ranking).

Classified or arranged according to various criteria into successive ranks or grades.

She claimed that only a hierarchical society with a leisure class at the top can produce works of 'true' art.

Of database models Reflecting relationships wholly consisting of subranks subsumed by ranks, a branching pattern of logic modeled like a tree.

Derived terms: ahierarchical, antihierarchical, hierarchical database, hierarchicalism, monohierarchical, multihierarchical, nonhierarchical, polyhierarchical, prehierarchical, unhierarchical
Related terms: hierarch, hierarchal, hierarchic, hierarchically, hierarchy

adj

Etymology From hierarch + -ical.

Pertaining to a hierarch (a high-ranking priest or bishop).