TECHNICAL DEFINITION

EXPLAINING TERMS TO YOUR AUDIENCE

Introduction

• Definition and purpose• Types and locations of definitions• Format for definitions• Topic handout• Professional example• Definition exercise

Definition and Purpose

• Definition :– Explains the meaning or denotation of

an unfamiliar word or phrase– Acts as entire focus of a report, or

clarification of an object, process, or concept in a larger report.

Types of Definitions

• Parenthetical: a word or phrase definition immediately following the term– Ex. Summit Books announced its

intention to create a new colophon (emblem or trademark).

• Form: definition may appear in parentheses, in a phrase, or in a dependent clause– Ex. People often choose to have roofs of

slate, the metamorphic rock formed from shale or volcanic ash.

Types of Definitions 2• Sentence: term to be defined, the class

the term belongs to, the features that distinguish the term from other members of that class. – Term

• Brief– Class: category term belongs to

• Legal document– Distinguishing features: differences

between term and other terms in that category• All facts and points of law pertinent to a case

Ex. A brief is a legal document that contains all the facts and points of law pertinent to a case.

Types of Definitions 3

• Expanded/extended:– A fully detailed definition that gives

the audience a complete picture of the term being defined

– Formal sentence definition plus support from expansion techniques appropriate to the report’s purpose to teach readers an entire concept rather than just a meaning.

Locations of Definitions

• In the text: for reports without glossaries and for audiences who need information immediately

• In footnotes/endnotes: for definitions whose inclusion would disrupt the flow of the report

• In a glossary: for reports that have 5 or more terms to define

Format for Expanded Definitions

• Headings for each section• Sections:

– Audience/purpose– Introduction– Expansion techniques (3 minimum)– Conclusion (optional)

Format for Expanded Definitions 2

• Audience/purpose– 1-2 sentence explanation of audience’s

identity and reason for presenting them with this report

• Introduction– Sentence definition + background

information or first expansion technique

Format for Expanded Definitions 3

• Expansion techniques– Etymology: origin/history of term– List of parts: discussion of all parts of

term– Graphics: picture or diagram of term– Example: explanation of term’s uses– Operating principle: explanation of how

term works

Format for Expanded Definitions 4• Expansion techniques

– Process: directions for using the term– Comparison/contrast: examining term

that is similar and familiar to audience– Classification: discussion of category

that term belongs to– Negation: explanation of what term is

not

Topic Handout

• Guidelines

Professional Example

• Scabies

Definition Exercise

• Definition Exercise Instructions • Send exercise to me via the

Blackboard Discussion Board.