Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Unified Modeling Language
     
         (UML) A non-proprietary, third generation {modelling
        language}.  The Unified Modeling Language is an open method
        used to specify, visualise, construct and document the
        artifacts of an {object-oriented} software-intensive system
        under development.  The UML represents a compilation of "best
        engineering practices" which have proven successful in
        modelling large, complex systems.
     
        UML succeeds the concepts of {Booch}, {OMT} and {OOSE} by
        fusing them into a single, common and widely usable modelling
        language.  UML aims to be a standard modelling language which
        can model {concurrent} and distributed systems.
     
        UML is not an {industry standard}, but is taking shape under
        the auspices of the {Object Management Group} (OMG).  OMG has
        called for information on object-oriented methodologies, that
        might create a rigorous software modelling language.  Many
        industry leaders have responded in earnest to help create the
        standard.
     
        See also: {STP}, {IDE}.
     
        {OMG UML Home (http://www.uml.org/)}.
     
        {Rational UML Resource Center
        (http://www.rational.com/uml/index.jsp)}.
     
        (2002-01-03)