Definition

 An effective definition explains an unfamiliar term

using vocabulary and concepts within readers’ grasp.
It can be tailored for different audiences by adjusting
details, vocabulary, types of examples and
explanations.
 ETYMOLOGY of
DEFINITION
The term “DEFINITION” came from the Latin word:
“DEFINIRE” meaning “to lay down”
Thus, etymologically, to define means:

“to lay down the markers or limits”

Real Definition
Definition is a conceptual manifestation either of the
meaning of the term or of the formal features of an
object.
 Definition
 A statement conveying fundamental character.
 A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase,
or term, as in a dictionary entry.
 The act or process of stating a precise meaning
or significance; formulation of a meaning.
 The Need for definition
 Inadequate definition may cause problems for
the readers. When definitions are not used at
all, reader may become confused by multiple
meanings, complexity of meanings, technical
jargon and symbols.
 Construction of definition
 Definitions are valuable writing tool because they
answer questions readers have could have before the
reader verbalize them. Definitions generally fall into
four categories:

I. Informal definition
II. Formal definition

III.Operational definition

IV.Expanded definition
 Informal definition are particularly useful for
technical communicators: synonyms, antonyms,
stipulation, negative, analogy and illustration.
 Formal definitions (species= genus+differentia)
 Are valuable for identifying the broad category to
which a term belongs as well as its distinctive
characteristics.
 Operational definitions summarize or outline the
primary steps involved in a function, usually in
chronological order.
 Expanded definition take many forms with each
form providing a different kind of detailed info:
etymology, history and examples.
 Importance of definition in technical writing


 
At times in technical writing you will be required to define
terms.
 You may substitute a simpler word for a difficult word
technical word or you may give a synonym.
 Be cautious, at times a synonym may make it more difficult
for your audience to understand what you’re writing. At such
times it is better to use the specialized term by simply giving a
definition.
 Any term that is not in your readers’ normal vocabulary
should be defined.
 The less technical you audience, the more you will need to
define.
 Definitions may range from a single word to a sentence or
even to a number of paragraphs.
 For Example
The basic 1-sentence definition will contain the following;
TERM = CLASS + DIFFERENTIAL

An ohmmeter is an indicating that directly measures the resistance of

Instrument an electric circuit.
A Pitfall to Avoid:

TERM = Class + DIFFERENTIAL

A legume is A fruit Formed a single carpel, splitting along
the dorsal and the ventral sutures and
usually containing a row of seeds, borne
on the inner side of the ventral suture.
A legume is A fruit Formed of an easily split pod that
contains a row of seeds, such as pea pod
 The former definition would only satisfy someone
who was already fairly expert in botany. Lay people
would be no further ahead than before, because such
terms as carpel, ventral sutures and so forth may not
be familiar to them.
 In the second definition plant language has been used
and an easily recognized example has been given.
 Both examples are good. The one you choose would
depend on your audience.
 Extend your definition as far as is needed to ensure
the level of reader understanding desired (remember a
definition may extend to many paragraphs as
required).
 There are three basic ways to give a
definition
 By Example (A legume contains a row of seeds such as a
pea pod)
 By Description (A voltmeter is an instrument for
measuring electric potential)
 By Comparison (It may be compared to a pressure guage
used in a pipe to measure water pressure)

 At times you may wish to begin a definition by defining

what it is not.
 Metaplasm: any substance within the body of a cell which is
not Protoplasm.
Avoid circular definitions:
 A Botanist is a student of Botany.
 PLACEMENT OF DEFINITIONS
 Within the text
 In footnotes
 In a glossary
 In an appendix
WITHIN THE TEXT

 If the definition is short –a sentence or two or

If you feel most of your audience needs the
definition, place it in the text with the word
defined.
The definition may be placed after the word is
defined :
 The word Bantu is an exclusively linguistic
label and has no other primary implications.
The word Bantu in an African dialect means “a
man” or “men”.
Thus, Bantu can be constructed as “people” or
“the people” .
 Sometimes the definition may be slipped in
before the word is used. This technique helps to
breakdown the resistance of the reader to an
unfamiliar term .

 EXAMPLE:
…Occasionally , a star in an advance stage of
evolution will spontaneously will explode , and
for a few months it will be several hundred
million times intrinsically more luminous than
the sun. Such a star is known as Supernova.
IN FOOTNOTES

 If your definition is longer than a sentence or

two and your audience is a mixed one – expert
and lay . You may want to put your definition
in a footnote.
 A Lengthy definition placed in the text could
disturb the expert who does not need it.
 In the footnote it is readily available to those
readers who need it.
 A content footnote may be placed at the bottom
of the page on which it is discussed .
 Heading: "Footnotes" is centered on the first
line below the running head.
 Format: Indent the first line of each footnote 5-
7 spaces and number the foonotes (slightly
above the line) as they are identified in the text.
 The footnote should only express one idea.
If it is longer than a few sentences, then
you should consider putting this
information in an appendix.
IN A GLOSSARY
 If there are many short definitions then they may be
placed in the glossary section of a report.
 This is useful in the case of mixed audience.

 DISADVANTAGE: Readers will be required to flip

around in the paper to find the definition they need.
Flow of reading will be disturbed.
 Make sure your readers know about the
Glossary( both in the table of contents and early in
the discussion).
 When a terminal glossary is used, the terms should be
marked in some way (boldface, italics) as they occur
in the body to let readers know that the definition is
in the glossary.
EXAMPLE:
The seat gaskets are first removed from the
plug……..
IN AN APPENDIX

 For longer more extended definition that some

but not all members may need. These should
be placed in the appendix portion of the report.
 When Appendixes might be
necessary

 Appendixes allow you to include detailed

information in your paper that would be
distracting in the main body of the paper.
Examples of items you might have in an
appendix include mathematical proofs, lists of
words, the questionnaire used in the research,
a detailed description of an apparatus used in
the research, etc.
 Format of Appendixes

 Your paper may have more than one appendix. Usually,

each distinct item has its own appendix. If your paper
only has one appendix, label it "Appendix" (without
quotes.) If there is more than one appendix, label them
"Appendix A," "Appendix B," etc. (without quotes) in
the order that each item appears in the paper. In the main
text, you should refer to the Appendixes by their labels.
 The actual format of the appendix will vary depending
on the content; therefore, there is no single format.
Description
 Description
 Technical descriptions organize specific details about
objects, substances, mechanism, organism, systems, and
locations for an identified audience. Descriptions
summarize physical characteristics, answering questions
you expect your readers to have about the appearance,
acceptability, and impact:
 What is it? How is it defined? By whom?
 What is it’s purpose? What is it it’s importance or impact?
 What are the characteristics of the whole?
 What are it’s parts?
 How do the parts fit together?
 Using Technical Description
 Technical descriptions usually appear as part
of the larger documents. The most common
application include observation notes, manuals
and training materials, proposals and reports,
marketing and promotional materials, public
information and education.
 Two Types of Technical
Description

1. Product description-a thing

(for example, a bottle rocket)
2. Process description-the steps or
stages in a complex event
(for example, how to install a
garage door opener)
 General Outline for Writing Technical
Descriptions
1. Overview of Item
a. Definition of the object—identification and
function
b. Identification of major parts
2. Description and Function of Parts
a. Composition—shape, dimensions, and
materials
b. Subparts
c. Relationship to and method of attachment to
adjacent parts
3. Operation of Item
a. Summary of parts if necessary
b. Explanation of one “cycle of
operation”

Elements of a Usable Description

1. Clear and Limiting Title
2. Appropriate Level of Detail and
Technicality -identify audience/purpose
3. Objectivity—impartial; focus on
observable details
4. Visuals—use generously
5. Clearest Descriptive Sequence (choice based on
purpose)
a. Spatial Sequence—when describing a
static item or mechanism at rest (e.g., a
house, a computer keyboard, a chainsaw)
b. Functional Sequence—when describing
a mechanism in action (e.g., a camera, a
motor, an elevator)
c. Chronological Sequence—when item is
best visualized in terms of its order of
assembly (e.g., a couch)