identifiers

Things that distinguish

Identifiers are names or labels that distinguish one thing from another.

In computing, an identifier is a sequence of characters that names a variable, function, or other element: The identifier "userID" stores the account number.

In bureaucratic contexts, identifiers are numbers or codes assigned to people or things for tracking: Social Security numbers serve as unique identifiers.

More broadly, any distinguishing feature can serve as an identifier: The scar was a key identifier.

code

username

Account identification string

passwordAuthentication string
PINAuthentication number sequence
serialOccurring in ordered succession

barcode · QR · UUID · hash · encryption · key · token · authentication · login · credential

symbol

emblem

Representational sign or device

insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
crestHighest point or tuft
badgeWorn symbol of membership

glyph · icon · pictogram · monogram · seal · hallmark · sigil · totem · heraldry · motif

brand

logo

Company identifying symbol

trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
NikeTriumph personified
AppleCupertino tech giant

Mercedes · Coca-Cola · McDonald's · Amazon · Google · Adidas · Samsung · Gucci · BMW · Chanel

identity

name

Identifying word for someone

birthdateDay of birth
fingerprintFriction ridge impression
passportGovernment-issued travel credential

SSN · biometric · DNA · signature · photograph · iris · retina · facial · voiceprint · national

marker

signpost

Roadside directional guide

beaconGuiding light source
landmarkNotable point of reference
milestoneNotable event marking progress

cairn · buoy · waypoint · GPS · coordinate · trailhead · boundary · surveyor · flag · stake

Categories

metadata standardsRDA, MODS, interoperability, DOI, ISBN
alphanumericsA-Z, characters, digits, numerals, letters
keywordskeywords, search term, tags, tag, terms
terminologyterms, jargon, lingo, nomenclature, vocabulary

Opposites

specificity vs. generality

identifiersgeneralizations

Broad conclusions from specifics

categories · classifications · abstractions · universals

distinguishing vs. obscuring

identifiersmasks

Face-covering disguises

redactions · obfuscators · anonymity · pseudonyms · concealers

labeling vs. characterizing

identifiersdescriptions

Accounts of characteristics

descriptors · attributes · characteristics · properties · qualities

Phrases

unique identifierUnrepeated distinguishing code

Family

identified, unidentified, identifies, identifier

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G