ARCHIVED 3.5.4. Methods of Definition

 

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You can formulate a definition in several different ways:

Definitions by genus and specific difference

indicate the superordinate concept (the concept immediately above or at a higher level), then the characteristic(s) that distinguish the concept from others in the same concept system.

Examples:

lead pencil

Pencil whose graphite core is fixed in a wooden casing that is removed for usage by sharpening.

Superordinate concepts - pencil and writing instrument.

Essential and delimiting characteristics - casing must be removed for usage by sharpening; graphite core is fixed in wood casing.

contractor

Supplier in a contractual situation.

Superordinate concept - supplier.

Essential and delimiting characteristic - contractual situation.

computer peripheral

Any equipment in a data processing system, distinct from the central processing unit, which may provide the system with outside communication or additional facilities.

printer

A computer peripheral that outputs data to hardcopy.

nonimpact printer

A printer in which printing is the result of means other than mechanical impact.

laser printer

A nonimpact printer that uses a low-power laser to produce image-forming charges on the photoconductive surface of a drum.

Partitive definitions

describe a whole by its parts, or describe a part in relation to the whole. Partitive definitions typically begin with formulations that clearly indicate the partitive relation, such as: part of, component of, section of, period of, element in, ingredients making up, etc., followed by the superordinate concept.

Examples:

lead cartridge

That part of a mechanical pencil’s lead advance mechanism which stores and guides the lead refill as it moves forward.

Superordinate concept - lead advance mechanism.

Essential and delimiting characteristics - stores the lead; guides the lead as it is advanced.

quality management system

Part of the overall management system for determining and implementing the quality policy.

Note
A comprehensive concept (the whole) may be defined on the basis of a mixed concept system: the definition states the generic concept above followed by the essential parts that make up the comprehensive concept in question.
mechanical pencil

Writing instrument composed of a barrel, lead, and a lead advance mechanism.

Definitions by synonym

define the concept using a term with the same meaning, but that is considered to be more familiar to the target audience.

Examples:

softlifting

software piracy, software theft

bellis perennis

daisy

timber

wood

Definitions by description

list the essential characteristics of the concept (nature, material, purpose, means, cause and effect, time, place).

Examples:

mirror

A polished surface, usually made of glass, that forms images by reflection.

Nature - a polished surface.

Material - glass.

Purpose - to form images.

Means - by reflection.

smearing

Using the surface area of shoe sole rubber on a slope of rock.

Mixed synonym and description

begin with a synonym, then describe use, purpose, nature, etc.

Examples:

oak timber

Strong wood used in construction work for timber bridges, dock gates, heavy framing, piles, as well as for joinery.

oblong

Elliptical, blunt at each end, having nearly parallel sides, and two to four times as long as broad.

impulse

(physiology) The signal that travels along the length of a nerve fibre.

Operational definitions

describe the performance of observable and repeatable operations. Useful for defining processes, methods, mechanisms and machines by describing how they are conducted or how they operate or function.

Examples:

laser printer

A nonimpact printer that operates at well over 10,000 lines per minute, using a low-power laser to produce image-forming charges a line at a time on the photoconductive surface of a drum; dry powder that adheres only to charged areas is applied to the drum, transferred to plain paper, and fused by heat.

printer

A computer peripheral that produces a durable record of data in the form of a sequence of discrete graphic characters belonging to a predetermined character set.

Definitions by demonstration

provide a visual reference such as a drawing, illustration, video, etc.

Extensional Definitions

in highly specialized terminological documents directed at field specialists, the definition can be formulated as an exhaustive list of the subordinate concepts which correspond to the objects in the class. This type of definition should be used only if others are inadequate.

Examples:

threatened species

Critically endangered species, endangered species or vulnerable species.

noble gas

Helium, neon, argon, crypton, kenon or radon.