TECHNICAL

DEFINITIONS
(Parenthetical and
Sentence Definitions)
OBJECTIVES:
1. Know the meaning and purpose of
technical definitions.
2. Discuss guidelines for writing
technical definitions.
3. Identify the two main types of
technical definition.
4. Recognize the components of a
technical definition.
5. Write effective technical definitions
What is a TECHNICAL
DEFINTION?
DEFINE (verb)
state or describe exactly the
nature, scope, or meaning of
something.
Definitions answer
2 QUESTIONS…
What, exactly, are we talking about?
a definition can give the exact meaning of a
vague or ambiguous term…
The device should not be used at high
temperatures.
What, exactly, is it?
a definition can explain what makes an
object or concept unique…
TELEPHONE
a device used to talk to people who are far
away
Some guidelines for
writing technical
definitions
BE ACCURATE
Use precise terms
A microwave is a thing
used for cooking. (wrong)

A microwave is device that heats

food using electromagnetic energy.
(right)
BE OBJECTIVE
Use facts, not opinions
Twitter is a social media platform
that is better than Facebook.
(wrong)

Twitter is a social media platform

that limits messages to 140
characters.(right)
USE THE RIGHT
LEVEL OF DETAIL
think about how much
information your
audience will need…
Word
Sentence
Paragraph
Pages
GRADE YOUR LANGUAGE
match the knowledge level of your
audience…
A solenoid is an inductive coil that
serves as a attractive electromagnet.
(wrong)

A solenoid is a coil that converts

electric energy to magnetic energy
that can perform l mechanical
functions.(right)
 How do we write
technical definitions?
PARENTHETICAL
DEFINTIONS
often, you can define a term by
using a more familiar
synonym in parenthesis…

As the horse came around the

corner, it started to trot (jog).
The viscosity (thickness) of the
syrup made it difficult to pour.
SENTENCE
DEFINTION
S
sentence definitions follow a set
pattern…
More complex terms may need a
sentence definition(which may be
more than one sentence).
NAME : Mercury

CLASS DEFINING: Metal

CHARACTERISTIC: Liquid at room

temperature
 Mercury is a metal that is
liquid at room temperature.
 Fuel is a substance that is
burned to produce energy.
 Stress is a force that strains
and deforms a body.
 Fiber optics is a technology
that transmits data via
hair thin fibers.
SUMMARY

•Meaning and purpose of technical

definitions.
•Guidelines for writing definitions.
•Two types of technical definition.
•Parts of a sentence definition.