The document discusses technical definitions and provides tips for writing effective definitions. It explains that a technical definition is a formal statement that describes the meaning of a word or phrase. There are two main types of definitions: parenthetical definitions, which use a synonym in parenthesis, and sentence definitions, which require a full sentence to define more complex terms or ideas. The document also lists five tips for writing good definitions, such as being accurate, objective, using the right level of detail, grading language for the audience, and avoiding circular references.

1. TECHNICAL
DEFINITIONS
how to write

2. OUTCOMES

3. OUTCOMES
Explain the function of technical
definitions

4. OUTCOMES
Identify two most commonly used
types of definition

5. OUTCOMES
Write effective definitions

6. TECHNICAL
DEFINITION

7. A formal statement that describes
the meaning of a word or phrase
or the nature of an object of idea.
TECHNICAL
DEFINITION

8. Function

9. used to answer
2 QUESTIONS

10. 1What exactly are
we talking about?

11. 1A definition can give
the meaning of a vague
or ambiguous term.

12. This device should not
be used at high
temperatures

13. This device should not
be used at high
temperatures
(above 96° C)

14. 2What exactly is it?

15. 2a definition can explain
what makes an object
or concept unique.

16. A telephone is a device
that allows users to
conduct conversations
over long distances.

17. Tips

18. #1
Be Accurate

19. Use correct, precise
terms.
#1

20. A microwave is a
thing that heats
food.

21. A toaster is a thing that
heats food.

22. A fire is a thing that
heats food

23. A microwave
oven is a kitchen
appliance that
heats food
quickly using
electromagnetic
energy.

24. #2
Be Objective

25. Use facts, not opinions
#2

26. Twitter is the best social
media platform

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

28. #3
Use the right
level of detail

29. Think about how much
information your
audience will need.
#3

30. K K K
w w w
K****
o m

31. #4
Grade your
language

32. Use language your
audience will understand
#4

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

34. A solenoid is an
inductive coil that
serves as a tractive
electromagnet.
A solenoid is a coil that
converts electric energy
to magnetic energy that
can perform mechanical
functions.

35. #5
Avoid circles

36. Don’t repeat the name of
the object in the definition
#5

37. A lightning conductor is
a device that conducts
lightning

38. Writing

39. Parenthetical
Definitions

40. Sometimes, we can define a
term by adding a synonym (a
term with the same meaning)
in parenthesis.

41. Use a spanner (wrench)
to tighten the nut.

42. The viscosity (thickness)
of the solution makes it
difficult to pour.

43. Sentence
Definitions

44. More complex terms or
ideas may need a sentence
to define them.

45. a sentence definition has
3 PARTS

46. Name Class Defining
Characteristic
s M B+ +

47. s M B+ +

48. mercury
s M B+ +

49. mercury metal
s M B+ +

50. mercury metal liquid at room
temperature
s M B+ +

51. Mercury is a metal
that is liquid at
room temperature.

52. Fuel is a substance that
is burned to produce
energy.

53. Review