Monothetic vs. Polythetic — What's the Difference?

That assumes or is based on a single essential element or idea.

Relating to or sharing a number of characteristics which occur commonly in members of a group or class, but none of which is essential for membership of that group or class.

Specifically. Of a system or method of classification, or its categories: based on a single characteristic, or a series of single characteristics.

(of a class of things) Having many, but not all properties in common.

Mathematics. Of a group: containing a cyclic subgroup whose closure is the group itself.

Pertaining to or based on a single basic idea or principle.

Describing a classification that is defined by the presence of all of a set of attributes