4.1.

1 Short Formal Definition

 Classroom
 Whiteboard
 Blackboard
 Wastepaper basket
 Chair
 Pencil box
 Texts which contain technical terminology
will include DEFINITIONS and EXPLANATIONS.
This will benefit the READERS especially if
they are non-experts on the subjects or are
students.

A term or word should be defined if it is:

* unfamiliar to the reader
* has more than one meaning
* has a specific meaning in that discipline
 a statement that gives clear, exact, concise
description or explanation of a word, phrase or
nature of an object

 When you write a definition, you may use the

common words/expressions below:

Is/are means in other words that is

is/can be defined as refers to

can be/is used to

A computer is an electronic device.

 Claustrophobiameans a very strong fear of

enclosed spaces.

A lab refers to a room or building used for

scientific research.

 Plants are nature’s green lungs.

 Do not use the word you are defining in a definition
(circular definition)

E.g. Technical communication is a technical subject.

Skin cancer is a disease that damages the skin.

Technical communication is a field that focuses on

providing information to users who need assistance to
accomplish a defined goal or task.
 Do not give a list of examples instead of defining
the word

E.g. Technical communication refers to proposals

and reports.

Technical communication is a field that focuses

on providing information to users who need
assistance to accomplish a defined goal or task.
 Use plain, simple English

A tumor is a neoplasm

• Neoplasm? This word is unclear and requires

more explanation

A tumor is a growth of cells which

occur independently of surrounding
tissue, and serves no useful function
• This definition is clearer as it gives an accurate
description of the word ‘tumor’
 Basic properties

A thermometer measures
temperature.

• This is essential information that shows the

function of a thermometer

A book can be used to write in,

display pictures and record financial
transactions.
• This definition shows a few uses of books
 Objectivity

A bomb is defined as an explosive

weapon detonated by impact and a
timing mechanism
• This definition contains fact

A bomb is an explosive weapon

devised by some idiots to blow up
the world
• ‘some idiots’ is personal opinion and should
not be included in the definition
 Short,formal  Theextended
definition of one definition of
sentence several paragraphs
 Usually consists of 3 parts:
1) Term/Word/Phrase to be defined
2) The class of the object/concept which the
term belongs to
3) The different characteristics which
distinguish this term from all others of that
class
1. Word/ Auxiliary 2. Class 3. Differentiating
Term Verb Characteristics
Water is a liquid made up of 2 molecules of
hydrogen and 1 molecule of
oxygen
Topaz is a mineral which is transparent aluminium
silicate, usually yellow and used
as a gem
A pencil is an used for writing or drawing, made
instrument of graphite, enclosed in a wooden
cylinder.
 Let’s try giving a short, formal definition to the
following terms:
Word/term Verb Class Characteristics

E.g. Hay is grass used as cattle

food
A smartwatch
A report
A vacuum
cleaner
A refrigerator
An engineer
A pen drive
Computers
A bicycle