According to 4.2b of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Directives for Standardization - Part 1: Structure and Drafting Rules for Standardization Documents", a terminology standard refers to "a standard that defines the designations and definitions of concepts used in a specific field or discipline". The function of a terminology standard is to "define" the concepts used in a specific field or discipline by providing definitions for the concepts and assigning designations (i.e., "terms"). The core technical element of such standards is the "term entry", which usually includes terms and definitions, and sometimes may also be accompanied by schematic diagrams, notes, examples, etc. A terminology standard typically contains all or most of the terms and definitions of the concepts used in a certain field, discipline, or a specific standardization object. These terms and definitions can form a conceptual system for a certain field, discipline, or a specific standardization object. The typical content and presentation form of a terminology standard are: "term entries arranged according to the conceptual system" plus "an index of terms and their corresponding foreign language equivalents".

The terms defined in terminology standards are the basis for human communication, especially technical communication. Only with strictly defined terms can human activities in science and technology, production, and trade become possible.

The procedures for formulating terminology standards and the requirements for their compilation should follow GB/T 20001.1-2001 "Rules for Preparing Standards - Part 1: Terminology".