An umbrella term is a word that provides a superset or grouping of related concepts, also called a hypernym. For example, cryptology is an umbrella term that encompasses cryptography and cryptanalysis, among other fields. Similarly, an "umbrella organization" can be an organization which is a central and coordinating body representing a number of smaller, separate bodies.

Examples in archaeology and anthropology

• Grave goods
• Venus figurines: (They extend over diverse time periods.)
• Votive deposit: (They are 'essentially' in every human culture/"tribe".)
• Standing stone

Examples in earth science

• Punctuated equilibrium: Created 1972 in the category of Evolution, or Speciation, etc., but could obviously be applied to other "topics". Definition: (See Wiki page: Punctuated equilibrium contrasted against, Gradualism.)