> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-international-documents/snomed-ct-glossary/a/authoritative-concept.md).

# authoritative concept

A concept with a specific meaning defined by an authoritative source.

### Notes

* National or international professional bodies or standards organizations are sources of authoritative concepts.

### Examples

* Taxonomic groupings of organisms are only added to the *SNOMED CT* International Release where an appropriate authoritative source reference is provided (see Organism groupings)

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