A private standards-developing organization recently published the first known consensus-based standard defining a common technical language for nanotechnology.

ASTM International’s ASTM E2456-06, “Standard terminology relating to nanotechnology,” establishes terminology for such fundamental terms as nano, nanotechnology, nanoscale and nanoparticle. In addition to providing a specific, shared vocabulary for scientists, the standardized terminology will help foster a common understanding of nanotechnology among consumers as more nano products enter the marketplace.

Nanotechnology is a growing field, and defining its terms for a larger audience is important, reports ASTM International. The organization is an American National Standards Institute-accredited standards developer and a member of ANSI’s nanotechnology standards panel. Many of the panel’s members also sit on the International Organization for Standardization’s technical committee for nanotechnologies, which is also pursuing increased standardization in the industry.

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