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Everything about Definition

Statement that attaches a meaning to a term

A definition is a semantic statement of the meaning of a term. Definitions can be classified into two large categories: intensional definitions, and extensional definitions. 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. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: DefinitionA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: A clinical case definition of post-COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensusInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: ΕὐθύφρωνThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosisCited 12,560 times
  5. Go sideways: Extensional and intensional definitionsA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: Circular definitionA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun The product of defining; a statement expressing the essential nature of something; a formulation. A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition.

Noun A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition.

Noun A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.

Noun A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Basic terminology
  2. Intensional definitions vs extensional definitions
  3. Operational vs. theoretical definitions
  4. Terms with multiple definitions
  5. In logic, mathematics and computing
  6. In medicine

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics