TECHNICAL DEFINITIONSParenthetical and Sentence Definitions

OBJECTIVESBy the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Know the meaning and purpose of technical definitions

Discuss guidelines for writing technical definitions

Identify the two main types of technical definition

Recognize the components of a technical definition

Write effective technical definitions

What is aTECHNICAL DEFINTION?

DEFINE (verb)state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something

Definitions answer

2 QUESTIONS…

What, exactly, are we talking about?Q1

a definition can give the exact meaning of a vague or ambiguous term…

The device should not be used at high temperatures.

(96º C or above)

What, exactly, is it?Q2

a definition can explain what makes an object or concept unique…

TELEPHONEa device used to talk to

people who are far away

for writing technical definitionsGUIDELINESSome

BE ACCURATEUse precise terms

A microwave is a thing used for cooking.l

A microwave is device that heats food using electromagnetic energy.

l

BE OBJECTIVEUse facts, not opinions

Twitter is a social media platform that is better than Facebook.l

Twitter is a social media platform that limits messages to 140 characters.

l

USE THE RIGHTLEVEL OF DETAIL

think about how much information your audience will need…

pagesparagraphsentenceword

GRADE YOUR LANGUAGE

match the knowledge level of your audience…

A solenoid is an inductive coil that serves as a tractive electromagnet.l

A solenoid is a coil that converts electric energy to magnetic energy that can

perform mechanical functions.l

AVOIDCIRCULAR

DEFINITIONS

A lightning conductor is a device

that conducts lightning. l

How do we

technical definitions?WRITE

PARENTHETICAL DEFINTIONS

often, you can define a term by using a more familiar synonym in parenthesis…

As the horse came around the corner, it started to trot (jog).

The viscosity (thickness) of the syrup made it difficult to pour.

SENTENCE DEFINTIONS

sentence definitions follow a set pattern…

More complex terms may need a sentence definition (which may be more than one sentence).

NAME CLASS DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

Mercury Metal Liquid at room temperature

Mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature.

Fuel is a substance that is burned to produce energy.

Stress is a force that strains and deforms a body.

Fiber optics is a technology that transmits data via hair thin fibers.

SUMMARYMeaning and purpose of technical definitions.

Guidelines for writing definitions.

Two types of technical definition.

Parts of a sentence definition.

END OF LESSON