This paper presents a general view of terminology as a science, and a pointed view of terminology in Colombia. First, the origins of terminology are presented with the defini­tions proposed by som theoreticians This theoreticians' influence is fundamental in the development of that science. Then, modern terminological approaches are pointed out. Finally, the importance of terminology concerning the research applied to language for special purposes is discused as well as, terminology as the core of specialized commu­nication and translation processes. Received: 27-02-04 / Accepted: 28-03-04 How to reference this article: Plested Álvarez, M. C. & Castrillón Cardona, E. R. (2004). Panorama de la terminologie. Íkala. 9(1), pp. 289 – 312