Word
normalization
Phoneticsnor·mal·iza·tion
/ˌnɔɹməɫɪˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · normalisation
Definition
n. The process of organizing a database to stop information from being repeated. It keeps data tidy and makes sure that if you change a detail in one place, it updates correctly everywhere.
n. A database design technique used to organize tables and columns to minimize redundancy and dependency. By dividing large tables into smaller ones and defining relationships between them, it protects data integrity and simplifies maintenance. While it also means returning something to a normal state, in computing it is strictly about structural efficiency.
Examples
“We used database normalization to remove duplicate customer addresses from our system.”
“Without proper normalization, your database might store the same phone number in five different places, leading to errors.”
“The lead developer insisted on third normal form normalization to ensure that every non-key attribute was functionally dependent only on the primary key.”
Examples
simple
“We used database normalization to remove duplicate customer addresses from our system.”
contextual
“Without proper normalization, your database might store the same phone number in five different places, leading to errors.”
complex
“The lead developer insisted on third normal form normalization to ensure that every non-key attribute was functionally dependent only on the primary key.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the subject being standardized.
Real-World Examples
“For decades, Germany’s political parties have operated a so-called “Brandmauer”, or firewall, to prevent the normalisation of far-right extremism.” “These include pressure to look a certain way , a tolerance for taking risks with your health , and a normalization of restrictive masculine ideals and misogyny .” “It is the normalisation of violence against our community.” Etymology
From normal + -ization or normalize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/normalization