inventory
IN-ven-tor-ee
/ˈɪnvəntri/
A complete list of items such as property or goods; in climate, a list of all greenhouse gas sources and sinks.
It is the 'accounting' phase of climate action—you cannot manage what you haven't inventoried.
The story behind the word. From 'in-' (upon) and 'venire' (to come). It literally means 'to come upon' or 'to find.' An inventory was originally a list of things 'found' in a deceased person's estate.
Word relationships
- catalog: A catalog is a list for reference; an inventory is a list for accounting or management.
Commonly confused with
- stock: Stock refers to the actual goods; inventory is the list or record of those goods.
Word family
- inventorial (adjective): Relating to an inventory.
Collocations
- emissions inventory
- take inventory
- annual inventory
Example sentences
- "A national greenhouse gas inventory is a report that lists the total emissions and removals of GHGs for a specific year." National reporting on climate goals.
Memory hook
Think of 'In-Vent'—you are looking 'In' the 'Vents' to find every single gas that is escaping. The master list.
When not to use
Don't use it as a verb (use 'take inventory' or 'catalog').
Fun facts
- The IPCC provides the global standard guidelines for how countries should conduct their emissions inventories.
Related words
Explore more words
catalog, raw materials, production, manufacturing, asset, feedstock
Also appears in
- Business → Operations & Logistics
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Supply Chain Engineering
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Agricultural Supply Chains
- Home & Domestic Life → Moving & Relocation
- Shopping & Consumer Retail → Supermarkets & Groceries
- Shopping & Consumer Retail → Clothing Stores & Fitting Rooms
- Shopping & Consumer Retail → E-commerce & Online Shopping
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