Phil Druker/ Department of English/ UI

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.

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

• Definitions clarify terms for the general audience.

• Definitions define terms for contractual purposes.

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,….)