What type of words are defined as domain-specific and used with lower frequency?

Domain-specific words are those that are used within a particular field or subject area, which makes them less commonly encountered in everyday language compared to more general vocabulary. These words are specialized and are typically used in specific contexts, such as science, technical fields, or particular academic subjects. Tier III words are precisely characterized by their rarity outside of professional or academic settings, as they pertain to specific disciplines and can vary greatly depending on the subject matter.

Examples of Tier III words include "photosynthesis," "mitosis," or "germination," which you would primarily see in a biology class, as opposed to everyday communication. This specificity and lower frequency of usage in general conversation underline why Tier III words are classified as domain-specific.

In contrast, Tier I words are basic, everyday vocabulary that most people are familiar with (like "cat" or "run"), while Tier II words include more sophisticated terms that are useful across various contexts (like "analyze" or "predict"). General vocabulary refers to broader terms not tied to specific fields, further distinguishing it from the specialized nature of Tier III words.