Heraldic nomenclature

Heraldic nomenclature is the specialized language used to describe coats of arms and heraldic elements precisely. It includes terms for shield shapes (escutcheon), colors (tinctures like azure for blue, gules for red), and symbols (charges such as lions or crosses). Descriptions specify the arrangement, position, and style of these elements, often in a fixed order. This standardized language allows for consistent identification and recording of heraldic designs across cultures and history, serving as a detailed visual shorthand that conveys complex heraldic information succinctly and unambiguously.