Termbase
A termbase is a curated database of terms and their approved translations, often with definitions, context notes and usage rules. Unlike a translation memory, which stores whole segments, a termbase governs individual words and phrases, so that key terminology is rendered the same way every time, across translators and projects.
How it works
Each entry holds a source term, its approved translation or translations for a given language, and notes on when to use it and what to avoid. As a translator works, the CAT tool checks against the termbase and flags any term used inconsistently.
Termbases matter most where wording is regulated or high-stakes: legal, medical and government content, where the wrong synonym can change the meaning or breach a standard.
How SourceTarget uses it
SourceTarget uses client termbases to hold approved terminology and enforce it across translators and projects. It matters most on legal, medical and government content, where the wrong synonym can change meaning or breach a standard. The termbase built from a client's work stays the client's.
Termbase compared with Translation memory
| Termbase | Translation memory | |
|---|---|---|
| Stores | Approved terms and their translations | Whole translated segments |
| Unit | Words and short phrases | Sentences and phrases |
| Ensures | Consistent terminology | Reuse and consistent text |