Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Definitions

Definitions are a basic part of technical writing. In fact, most technical writing is a kind of definition

	Software documentation is a definition of the software.
	A report on soil run off is a definition.
	A manual on how to use spectrometer is a definition.

Here are some basic ideas on definition:

Why define terms?

–Most technical writing involves definition in some form.

–Jargon turns readers off (unless they know what it means).

–Readers need to know how you are using terms. Example: what do you mean by "criteria," by "success," ....

• Definitions assure readers you and they understand the term in the same way.

• Definitions clarify terms for the audience.

• Definitions define terms for contractual purposes.

• Definitions expand your audience.

Can you define too many terms? Audience. Purpose.

Who is your audience?

–Analyze / know your readers’ level of expertise

–Meet your readers’ needs.

–Define terms as needed (consider your purpose).

What makes a good definition?

–1. Meet your readers’ needs: right level of technicality.

–2. Use plain English.

èLower the level of technicality. (Don’t use jargon to define jargon.)

–3. Explain the basic properties:

•function

–what it does

–how it works

•form

–what it looks like ==>> use figures (see information on graphic aids)

–what are the parts

–4. Be objective.

–5. Be accurate

How long should the definition be?

–Parenthetical (part of a sentence)

Example:

Larch, larix laricina occidentalli, is a species commonly occurring in North Idaho.

–, a deciduous conifer,

–, a cone bearing tree that looses its needles,

–Sentence Definition (might be a couple sentences)

Term =	class (genus) + (what kind of thing is it?)	distinguishing features (be specific: show how it differs from others in the class)
“telephone”	electronic communications device	Connected through a network

–Extended definition (paragraph, chapter,….)
• • èThe amount of space you give a topic is directly proportional to its importance.