DEFINITIONS

 

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

 

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

 

DEFINITIONS

 

LEARNING MATERIAL

 

PREPARED BY

C.GOVINDASWAMY

AP/HOD/ ENGLISH

 

1. What is it?

A definition is a statement that says what something is.

Definition is the explanation of a word.

A good definition should be precise, accurate and it should identify the item you are defining beyond any doubt.

Definitions of terms are the foundation of technical writing.

2. Types of definitions:

            1. Informal definition

            2. Formal definition

            3. Extended definition.

2.1. INFORMAL DEFINITION

A definition placed between commas or parentheses is usually known as informal definition. It is also known parenthetical definition.

Examples:

1. Every batter hopes for a grand slam (four runs from one swing of the bat)

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

3. On an average day, he was able to cut a cord (128 cubic feet) of wood.

4. A potentio meter (variable resistor) is used for volume controls.

2.1.a.. Informal definition:

            - low level need

            - low level of importance

            - brief- a word or a phrase

2.2. FORMAL DEFINITION

            A formal definition consists of three parts:

                        1. The term to be defined

                        2. The class, group or concept to which the term belongs

3. The unique characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class/ functions or uses/ specific details

TERM       >       CLASS      >       CHARACTERISTICS

Example;

1. A resistor (term) is an electronic device (class) that is used in electronic circuits to oppose and control current flow (characteristics)

2. A conductor (term) is a device or material (class) that readily carries electricity, hear or sound (characteristics)

Pattern:

A (term) is a (class) which or that (specific details)

A (thing to be defined) is a (category to which it belongs) which (its function or use or specific details or characteristics)

More examples:

1. Define: solar cell

A solar cell (term) is a device (class) which converts the energy of sunlight into electrical energy. (specific details)

2. Define: camera

A camera (term) is an instrument (class) that is used for taking photographs. (specific details)

3. Define: endoscope

An endoscope (term) is an instrument ( class) that doctors use to look inside the body(function and use)

4. Define: star

A star (class) is a celestial body (class) which appears as a luminous point in the night sky (specific details)

By studying the examples given above, a formula for definition( formal)  writing can be arrived.

            A+B+C=D

 

Where  A is the term defined

            B is the class to which the term belongs

            C is the special characteristics or use of the term and

            D is the definition.

Some more examples of a formal definition or single sentence definition are given below.

1. Hammer

            A hammer is a tool which is used for breaking or driving nails into a surface.

2. Gold

            Gold is a bright yellow metal that is used in making jewels (or)

            Gold is a bright yellow metal that dissolves in no acid but aqua regia

3. Brake

            Brake is a mechanical device that is used to stop running vehicles.

4. Planet

A planet is a body in space that goes round a star

5. Square

            A square is a geometric diagram which has four sides and angles of equal measurement.

6. Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen faster without being changed.

7. Lubricant

            Lubricant is an oily substance that allows machines to run smoothly.

8 .Flow chart

A flow chart is a diagram which shows the sequence of steps in a programme for solving a problem on a computer.

9. Printer

            A printer is a device which can make copies of information from a computer.

10. Computer

A computer is a machine which can accept and process data and give an output of the result.

Note:

            1. A formal definition is usually written in a single sentence.

            2. A formal definition is otherwise known as a simple definition.

            3. Therefore  a simple definition is written in a single sentence.

4. If the definition exceeds more than a sentence, it becomes an extended definition and takes the form of a paragraph.

5. One final point to remember in writing a simple/ formal/ sentence definition is to avoid using the term, or any variation of the term, in the remainder of the definition.

Wrong:

A resistor is an electronic device that resists current flow. ( here the word’ resist’ is repeated. The repletion is to be avoided.)

In the above   example, find a synonym for resist, such as oppose or control and use it.

Right:

A resistor is an electronic device that opposes current flow.

Sentence definition: ( a few more points to remember)

-          Higher level need

-          Relatively important

-          A full grammatical sentence

-          Follows a pattern: term>class> characteristics

2. 3. EXTENDED DEFINITION:

An extended definition includes sentence definition followed by detailed presentation of additional information relevant to the situation. It can be a paragraph or more than a paragraph.

When a term needs to be explained in great detail and precision, an extended definition is used. I can range in size from a few sentences to many pages.

Extended definition provided more information besides talking about the category and the use or function. It also provides information on what it is made up of, its structure, its peculiar and physical and chemical properties, where, when, and by whom it is used and its merits and demerits. It can contain examples that illustrate the term.

2. 4. What is an extended definition?

            - more than a dictionary definition

            - an in-depth explanation of an idea

            - a definition that included examples and comparisons

            - more than a description

            - more like a complete picture of something

An extended definition includes a formal( sentence) definition+ one or more of the following

ü  Etymology- ( origin and history)

ü  History and background

ü  Negation

ü  Operating principle

ü  Visuals

ü  Comparison and contrast

ü  Required materials or conditions

ü  Examples

Identify distinguishing                                                              give examples Characteristics                                                         EXTENDED DEFINITION Provides extra facts/                                                                    say what cannot be in Information                                                                                  included in this

 

 

 

 

EXTENDED DEFINITION: EXAMPLES:

1. MACHINE:

A machine is an apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing certain kinds of work. It is an instrument that transmits a force or directs its application. It is a controlling system of an organization.

2. GROUP DISCUSSION:

A group discussion is a situation in which a small number of persons meet face to face and involve them in free oral interaction, exchanging information on some important topic.  It is also meant to arrive at a decision or reach consensus or solve a problem. The number of participants should be at least five to ensure the diversity of views.

3. CELL PHONE:

A cell phone or a cellular phone is a telephone that does not have any wires. It works by radio. One can carry it anywhere and use it. It is otherwise called a mobile phone. It has several features.

 

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS8251- TECHNICAL ENGLISH

ASSIGNMENT 2

DEFINITIONS

NAME: ………………………………                                  REGISTER NO:        …………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Give sentence definition for the following:

            1. petroleum                6. ammeter                              11. astronomy

            2. solar cell                  7. coolant                                12. circle

            3. endoscope               8.laboratory                             13. conductor

            4. transformer              9. water heater                                    14. mobile phone

            5. planet                      10 robot                                   15. laptop       

2. Write an extended definition for the following:

            1. group work              2. global warming                   3. green house effect

            4. printer                      5. auditorium                           6. corruption