definition

Also known as definitional, definitonally, defining

thumb|A definition states the meaning of a word using other words. This is sometimes challenging. Common dictionaries contain lexical descriptive definitions, but there are various types of definition – all with different purposes and focuses.

AI overview

A definition explains what a word means by using other words to describe it, though doing this well can be tricky. There are many different types of definitions—like those found in common dictionaries—each designed for different purposes and ways of understanding.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Image: Blacks-Law-Dictionary.jpg

Show 3 more facts

Commons category: Definition
exact match: www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#definition
P8168: The Man Who Wagged His Tail

Sources (8)

via Wikidata · CC0

~20 min read

Article

21 sections

Contents

Basic terminology
Intensional definitions vs extensional definitions
Classes of intensional definitions
Classes of extensional definitions
''Divisio'' and ''partitio''
Nominal definitions vs real definitions
Operational vs. theoretical definitions
Terms with multiple definitions
Homonyms
Polysemes
In logic, mathematics and computing
Classification
Recursive definitions
In medicine
Fallacies of definition
Limitations of definition
See also
Notes
References
Bibliography
External links

A definition is a semantic statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories: intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term), and extensional definitions (which try to list the objects that a term describes). Another important category of definitions is the class of ostensive definitions, which convey the meaning of a term by pointing out examples. A term may have many different senses and multiple meanings, and thus require multiple definitions.