English for the Workplace 2

Prof. Marites Tamayo-Fagaragan

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

In technical writing, definition is the process

by which one assigns a precise meaning to a
term.

Term = Classification + Differentia

Example:
A stall is a flight condition in which the lift
produced becomes less than the weight of the
airplane, and the airplane stops flying.
Stall has meaning based on the context.

In driving, a stall is an operating

condition in which a sudden and
unexpected loss of power occurs.

In farming, a stall is a single, three-

sided compartment that is designed
to shelter and animal in a barn or
stable.
Often, the most difficult part of writing a
technical definition lies in determining
the proper classification for the term.
The class should be a general category in
which the term fits, but it cannot be too
general
e.g. The 33-kilohm, 1 watt carbon
resistor is a device that impedes the flow
of electric current.
The problem with this classification is
that device could mean all kinds of
different things, most of which have
nothing to do with circuit components.

Consequently, its inclusion does not

really specify the meaning of the term.
By changing device to circuit component,
however the meaning can be narrowed
considerably for the reader.

In fact, the audience is always

considered when forming technical
definition.
The next step in defining a term is to
differentiate it from all other members
of its class.
This involves narrowing down the
meaning of the term to just one
possibility within the class of circuit
components to a particular resistor.
To do this, the technical writer should
focus on the function of the resistor,
which is to impede the flow of electric
current.
The next step in defining a term is to
differentiate it from all other members
of its class.
This involves narrowing down the
meaning of the term to just one
possibility within the class of circuit
components to a particular resistor.
To do this, the technical writer should
focus on the function of the resistor,
which is to impede the flow of electric
current.
To do this, the technical writer should
focus on the function of the resistor,
which is to impede the flow of electric
current.
When writing a technical definition, it is
probably best to add a qualifier unless
the context is obvious.

e.g. In water softening, zeolite is an

exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.
This definition is fine as long as your
audience will know what ions are, not to
mention exchange resin, calcium and
sodium.

What about a less technical audience –

perhaps a nontechnical manager who
controls your funding?
For a less technical audience, we might
the definition as follows:

In water softening, zeolite resin is a

special material that releases sodium
into the water while absorbing calcium
and magnesium from the water.
Notice that there is no mention of ions
or ionic exchange.

A nontechnical audience would not

know (or probably even care) about such
things as ionic charge or exchange.

Keep in Mind (KIM): You must always

consider the reader’s knowledge and
skill level when defining terms and
concepts.
However, if simple term and concept
that the audience understands is not
available, then add extensions to your
definition.
Extensions come in many forms:
1. Further definition – use this when you
need to define terms you used in your
original definition.
e.g.
In water softening, zeolite is an exchange
resin that gains sodium ions while
releasing calcium and magnesium ions.
Zeolite is a collection of small
polysterene beads that forms a resin
carrying a negative charge.
Extensions come in many forms:
2. Comparison and contrast – use this
when you need to show differences or
similarities.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] Zeolite collects calcium and
magnesium ions in the same way a
feather broom collects dust.
Extensions come in many forms:
3. Classification – use this when you
need to organize information into
categories.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] Zeolite is used for ion exchange
“home” water softening, while lime and
soda ash are used in precipitating
municipal water softener.
Extensions come in many forms:
4. Cause and effect – use this when you
need to demonstrate why something
happens or when you need to trace
results.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] Zeolite carries a negative charge
and attracts the positive charged calcium
and magnesium ions in water.
Extensions come in many forms:
5. Process – use this when you need to
list the steps of a procedure.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] First, the zeolite is charged with
sodium ions from a salt brine solution in
the regeneration step. Once charged, the
zeolite absorbs calcium and magnesium
ions from passing hard water while
releasing sodium ions into the resulting
soft water.
Extensions come in many forms:
6. Exemplification – use this when you
need to give real and analogous
examples.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] Examples of the zeolite group
include analcimes, chabazites, and
gismondines.
Extensions come in many forms:
7. Etymology – use this to show linguistic
genesis of the term.
e.g. [In water softening, zeolite is an
exchange resin that gains sodium ions
while releasing calcium and magnesium
ions.] The term zeolite comes from the
Greek word zeon, meaning “to boil,” and
lithos, meaning “stone.” It was first
coined by the Swedish mineralogist Alex
Fredrick Cronstedt in the 18th century.
Reference:
Finkelstein Jr., Leo. Pocket Book of
Technical Writing for Engineers and
Scientists. 3rd Ed. Wright State University,
McGraw-Hill Education Companies Inc.
NY, USA. 2008. print