Giving an explanation or a definition

In texts similar to those in this book, authors often give definitions to new or unfamiliar terms, or vocabulary items and concepts, or ideas specific to the subject being discussed. Not only are definitions given, but explanations are often supplied, either implicitly or explicitly, to avoid confusion in the mind of the reader.

1 Some expressions or markers used to define or explain a statement explicitly are:

means		by..	. we mean*
is taken to	be	by..	. is meant*
denotes		in other words
refers to		that]	s (to say)*
is denned	as
* occurs in	initial	position

Examples

1. The term computer refers to the processor plus the internal memory.

2. A chip is defined as a tiny square piece of silicon upon which several layers of an integrated circuit are etched or imprinted, after which the circuit is encapsulated in plastic, ceramic, or metal.

3. By peripherals we mean those devices which are attached to the computer.

3 Another very common method is to use the same pattern as in 2
above and also give some distinguishing characteristics.

Examples

1. A computer is an electronic device which/that processes information.

2. Tapes and disks are memory devices which/that can be stored away for future use.

3. A programmer is a person who prepares programs to solve problems.

N.B. The relative pronouns used in this type of definition or explanation will be who or that for people, when for a period of time, where for a place or location, and that or which for things.

4 One of the most frequent forms of definition or explanation is to use
two nouns (or noun phrases) in apposition, separated by commas.

Examples

1. Computers, electronic devices for processing information, are now

used in practically every aspect of life.

2. Systems software, programs, direct the computer to perform tasks.
3.*Turnkey systems, complete hardware/software products, may be

provided along with the hardware by a systems supplier.

Exercise 1

Study the following definitions. A definition usually includes all three parts: the term to be defined, the group it belongs to, and the characteristics which distinguish it from other members of the group.

2 There are other methods used to define or explain, depending on the style used. One very common method is to give the term being defined and say what it is without repeating the term, i.e. X is/are Y.

Examples

1. A computer is an electronic device.

2. Tapes and disks are memory devices.

3. Printers are output devices.

TERM	GROUP	CHARACTERISTICS
A core	is a ferrite ring	which is capable of being either magnetized or demagnetized
Silicon	is a nonmetallic element	with semiconductor characteristics

Now analyse the following definitions and identify the different parts by circling the term; by underlining the group once, and by underlining the characteristics twice.

1. A computer is a machine with an intricate network of electronic circuits that operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. (Unit 1)

2. An abacus is a bead frame in which the beads are moved from left to

right. (Unit 2)

3. Input is the information presented to the computer. (Unit 3)

4. The term 'computer' includes those parts of hardware in which calculations and other data manipulations are performed, and the high-speed interval memory in which data and calculations are stored during actual executions of programs. (Unit 3)

5. A 'system' is a good mixture of integrated parts working together to form a useful whole. (Unit 5)

6. Large computer systems, or mainframes, as they are referred to in the field of computer science, are those computer systems found in computer installations processing immense amounts of data. (Unit 6)

7. Although there is no exact definition for a minicomputer, it is generally understood to refer to a computer whose mainframe is physically small, has a fixed word length between 8 and 32 bits, and costs less than $100,000 for the central processor. (Unit 7)

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