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Chapter 19

Technical Definitions

Technical Communication, 12th Edition

John M. Lannon

Laura Gurak

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

Purpose of Technical Definitions

• Answers the questions of what exactly are we talking about and what exactly is it
• Addresses legal implications
• Addresses ethical implications
• Contains societal implications
• Give a general but informative definition

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Levels of Detail in a Definition

• Parenthetical definition

Clarifies the meaning of a word by using a more familiar synonym

• Sentence definition

Fixed Pattern: name of item; class to which the item belongs; the features that differentiate the item from all others in its class

• Expanded definition

Extends to a short paragraph or even several pages depending on the complexity of the item

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Directions in Which Definition Can Be Expanded

Can you explain what it doesn’t mean?

Term or item to be defined

How does it work?

What are its parts?

What does it look like?

Can it be compared with anything familiar?

Does it require any special conditions?

How is it used?

What is its origin and background?

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Expansion Methods

• Etymology
• History
• Negation
• Operating principle
• Analysis of parts
• Visuals
• Comparison and contrast
• Required materials or conditions
• Example

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Situations Requiring Definitions

• Each time an audience encounters an unfamiliar term or concept

Placement of Definitions

• Definitions should not interrupt the flow
• More than 3-4 definitions on one page or screen will be disruptive

Rewrite them as sentence definitions and move them to a definitions section or glossary.

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

Guidelines for Clear and Precise Definition

• Decide on the level of detail.
• Classify the item precisely.
• Differentiate the item accurately.
• Avoid circular definitions.
• Expand your definition selectively.

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

Guidelines for Clear and Precise Definition

• Use visuals to clarify your meaning.
• Know “how much is enough.”
• Consider the legal implications.
• Consider the ethical implications.
• Place your definition in an appropriate location.
• Cite your sources as needed.

© 2011 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

Any Questions?

For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at http://www.pearsonhighered.com/lannon.

Any Questions?

For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at http://www.pearsonhighered.com/lannon.