Definition:Morphism

Definition
Let $\mathbf C$ be a metacategory.

A morphism of $\mathbf C$ is an object $f$, together with:


 * A domain $\operatorname{dom} f$, which is an object of $\mathbf C$
 * A codomain $\operatorname{cod} f$, also an object of $\mathbf C$

The collection of all morphisms of $\mathbf C$ is denoted $\mathbf C_1$.

If $A$ is the domain of $f$ and $B$ is its codomain, this is mostly represented by writing:


 * $f: A \to B$ or $A \stackrel{f}{\longrightarrow} B$

Remark
A morphism is one of the two basic concepts of a metacategory, and therefore of category theory.

The other one is the notion of an object.

Thus in order to discuss a particular metacategory, it is necessary to specify what exactly its morphisms are.

Note that a morphism is defined to be an object. This should not be confused with an object of $\mathbf C$. Usually, the morphisms of a metacategory $\mathbf C$ are not also objects of $\mathbf C$.

Also known as
Various other names for morphism include arrow and edge.

, in, takes the arrow analogy further by proposing the term archery in place of category theory.

Also see

 * Definition:Object (Category Theory)
 * Definition:Metacategory
 * Definition:Identity Morphism