Definitions

A definition is an explanation of the meaning of a certain word or phrase.

There are different kinds of definitions, among which are technical definitions and operational
definitions.

TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

A technical definition is an explanation or description that introduces vocabulary making

communication in a specific field easier to understand.

Types of Technical Definitions

 Parenthetical definitions

 Sentence definitions

 Extended definitions

Parenthetical Definitions
A parenthetical definition introduces a word then makes use of a synonym or a brief description directly
after it. The synonym is usually set off using commas or enclosed in parenthesis.
Example:
Penguins, of the family Spheniscidae, are black-and-white flightless birds that use their wings for
swimming.
Explanation:
The phrase of the family Spheniscidae is a parenthetical definition of the term penguin.
Sentence Definitions
A sentence definition usually appears in a glossary, within the text, or in margin notes. Most sentence
definitions introduce the term, give its category, and cite its distinguishing features.
Example:
A pentagon is a polygon with five sides.
Explanation:
The term is pentagon, its category is polygons, and its distinguishing feature is that it has five sides.
Extended Definitions
An extended definition is used when a technical term has to be explained in great detail. This kind of
definition may be a few sentences but can also be several pages long.
Example:
Definitions in an encyclopedia or a wiki site are extended definitions.
Explanation:
Definitions that provide a lot of detail are extended definitions.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
An operational definition defines something in terms of a process that it undergoes to determine its
existence, quantity, and duration.
Example:
Rain is the substance formed by many drops of water falling from the clouds in the sky.
Explanation:
The process of drops of water falling from the sky is used to define the term rain.