• Definitions - is a core parrot any dictionary.

It is a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or

sign or symbol.

TYPES OF DEFINITIONS:

• Operational Definition - is the application of operationalization used in defining the terms of a process
(or set of valid tests) needed to determine the nature of an item or phenomenon (e.g. a variable, term, or
object) and its properties such as duration, quantity, extension in space, chemical position, etc. Since the
degree of operationalization can vary itself. It can result in more or less operational definition. The
procedures included in definitions should be repeatable by anyone or at least by peers.

An example of operational definition is the term weight of an object, operationalized to a degree, would
be the following: “weight is the number that appears when that object is placed on weighing scale”.

Further, operational definition is more on the application of the word. This may include the various
attempts to define/explain a certain process and it’s properties including but not limited to the
characteristics of the event itself.

For example, the operational definition of a computer is something used in doing homework/browsing
the internet.

• Technical Definition - mostly refers to the aspect of explaining or describing any technical terms or
terminology. Technical definition could be used in expanding the vocabulary since most of these terms
are explained in the exact manner. Examples include terms and definitions of the words found in the
dictionary. For example, the technical definition of a computer is a device or machine used in performing,
assessing, evaluation and following commands set by the users.

TYPES OF TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS:

• Parenthetical Definition - when defining a word that the reader will easily understand if shown a
synonym or alternative phrase, show the synonym in parenthesis immediately after the word. - Example:
The software has received many reviewers accolades (praises).

• Defining Phrase - it is sometimes beneficial to use a term as it is used by the profession you are writing
about and to follow the term with a few words to explain it. - Example: A technical writer should ask
colleague to proof each draft, to read through it for errors.
 • Sentence Definition - a formula in writing a definition in a sentence. Start with the word or phrase,
state the class (the category the word belongs to) , and the distinguishing characteristics that make it
different from other members of its class. - Example: An operational definition (phrase) is the specific
meaning of a word or phrase (class) given to it by the group of people who use the word in their specific
context (distinguishing characteristics

- FORMULA: TERM + CLASS/CATEGORY + FEATURES/DETAILS A schoyta rabiei (term) is

a fungus (category) that causes severe chickpea blight (details)

• Extended Definition - this version of a definition is the longest offering the freedom to provide insight
into the origin of the term, additional meanings, synonyms and antonyms and more. Additional terms are
defined here that may be used in definitions:

1. Denotation - the most basic meaning of a term, usually the first meaning in a dictionary entry.

2. Connotation - the most familiar meaning of a term to a user.

3. Synonym - another word or phrase that has the same or almost the same meaning.

4. Antonym - another word or phrase that has the opposite meaning.

5. Description - as used here, a longer more detailed description than is provided by a single formal
sentence. This may include a description of each part of a device.
6. Contrast – a discussion of the term as it compares to a term that has a different meaning.
7. Comparison – a discussion of a term as it relates to a term similar in meaning
8. Analogy – this method uses similes or metaphors to explain a thing as being like something else.
Example: a network router is a device that works like an airport traffic controller, keeping network signals
moving towards their directions and avoiding collisions between them.
9. Origin- an explanation of where a term comes from, who first used it, or the circumstances in which it
was first used.
10. Etymology – a more formal statement about the language roots of a word. Technical terms may not
have actual roots of this sort. The author explains that they are often acronyms that are better understood
when the letters or parts of the word are explained.

COMMON ERRORS IN DEFINING TERMS:

Definition fallacies are errors that a technical writer committed when writing definitions. Some are listed
below:

• too technical – the writer has not explained plainly enough

• too broad – the writer has not focused on what the words mean in context
• too narrow – the writer has not given a definition that is general enough that the reader might recognize
other cases of the thing being defined
• circular – the writer has not defined a phrase using one of the words in the phrases or defined a word
using another form of the same word