hierarchy
hi·er·ar·chy / ˈhī(ə)ˌrärkē/ • n. (pl. -chies) a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. ∎ (the hierarchy) the upper echelons of a hierarchical system; those in authority: the magazine was read quite widely even by some of the hierarchy. ∎ an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness: a taxonomic hierarchy of phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. ∎ (the hierarchy) the clergy of the Catholic or Episcopal Church; the religious authorities. ∎ Theol. the traditional system of orders of angels and other heavenly beings.DERIVATIVES: hi·er·ar·chic / ˌhī(ə)ˈrärkik/ adj.hi·er·ar·chi·za·tion / ˌhī(ə)ˌrärkəˈzāshən/ n.hi·er·ar·chize / -ˌkīz/ v.
