Writing Technical Definitions

Technical Definitions

Describe and define new products and services

Introduce new information to reader in clear and effective ways

Allow experts and specialists to communicate with a more generalized audience

Planning for Audience (p. 453)

Identify stakeholders

Determine the amount and kind of technical language or jargon to use

Acknowledge differences in language

Planning for Problem & Purpose (p. 454) Explanatory Definitions

To explain a concept, thing, or idea to readers

Operational Definitions To enable audiences to engage in an activity or

operation

Deliberative Definitions To clarify the meanings of terms, ideas, and

concepts

Types of Definitions

Short, Parenthetical & Extended

Short Definitions

Are typically only a sentence or two to provide meaning for the reader

Are usually categorical, placing the term in a category of similar terms

May provide descriptions of use or other distinguishing characteristics of the term

Parenthetical Definitions

Are typically only a sentence or two to provide meaning for the reader

Are usually categorical, placing the term in a category of similar terms

May provide descriptions of use or other distinguishing characteristics of the term

Extended Definitions

May use the different kinds of definitions outlined earlier, like descriptions or visuals

Exist in lengthier texts where audiences need detailed information

Researching & Drafting

Researching Definitions

Is often necessary to construct definitions that deal with unfamiliar ideas and concepts

Produces more accurate and effective definitions

Drafting Definitions

Includes putting together an initial definition and placing it in the context of the document

Involves fitting the definition into the scope of the document

This is harder than it seems – where does it fit and how? Where would you put this so it made sense for your audience and purpose?

Building your Definition

Kinds of Definitions Definitions that describe

Definitions that compare and contrast

Definitions that classify

Definitions that provide examples

Definitions that illustrate with visuals

Definitions that Describe Often work by describing what something looks

like, feels like, sounds like, or smells like

Often appeal to the readers’ visual senses by describing size, shape, and appearance

Often describe what the thing does, how it is used, and to what purpose

Definitions that Describe

Example:

Aielron: A small, slender, hinged section on the outer portion of a wing, used to control an aircraft’s rolling and banking movements. Ailerons usually work in opposition: as the left aileron is deflected upward, the right is deflected downward, and vice versa.

Definitions that Compare & Contrast Give similarities or differences between subjects

Often compare or contrast something unfamiliar with something the audience knows

Provide a frame of reference by giving context

Definitions that Compare & Contrast

Example:

Flash Drive: A small, lightweight, portable Universal Serial Bus (USB) device that allows users to store, carry, and transfer programs and files, much like the older 3.5-inch floppy disk. The flash drive, however, differs from the older floppy disks; it is much smaller (only 70 mm long, 30 mm wide, and about 11 mm in height) and more durable and contains no internal moving parts.

Definitions that Classify Categorize a term within a larger group in order

to provide a context or association

Can be problematic because not everyone agrees on the meaning of particular categories

Definitions that Classify

Example:

Someone writing a field guide to birds and animals in Texas could safely assume that many people would not know what an ocelot is.

However, if the writer begins by defining an ocelot as a kind of wildcat, much of the mystery of the term disappears because most if not all readers can identify a wildcat.

Definitions that Provide Examples Provide a clear-cut and familiar example of the

thing or concept being defined

Should use examples familiar to the audience

Frequently clarify abstract terms

Definitions that Provide ExamplesExample:

Sports car might be defined as vehicles with sleek body styles, superior acceleration, little cargo space, and so forth.

While such a definition would be useful, any definition of sports car would benefit by providing specific examples: Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, or Porsche 911, for example.

Definitions that Illustratewith Visuals Give readers visual prompts to give clear and

quick understanding

Benefit the reader by including a picture in addition to a written definition

Help explain concepts that one cannot actually see with the naked eye

Definitions that Illustratewith Visuals

Ethics & Warnings

Ethics in Technical Definitions

Be aware of how definitions can potentially mislead, confuse, or cause danger or harm.

Ensure that readers have all the information necessary to use the product safely.

Rely on correct, unbiased information to help audiences make decisions.

Ethics in Technical Definitions

Full Disclosure Writers have not omitted any information that

an audience needs to comprehend the term

Appropriate Style Select a style that should be clearly grasped by

the target audience

Common Mistakes

Circular Definitions Using the term in defining it

Synonyms Using a similar term gives no useful information

Not User-Oriented Failing to take the users’ or audiences’

knowledge, background, and needs into account

Start the Process

Steps:

Identify the topic of your technical definition Identify your audience Identify purpose of definition (explanatory,

operational, deliberative) Select the type of combination of types of

definitions that will work best for your topic, audience, and purpose.

Research your topic Draft and Revise (pg 458)