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Glite Dictionary
definiendum

definiendum

9.9
A word or phrase that a dictionary entry explains
  • noun
  • /ˌdɛfɪˈniːɛndəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : definiendum
  • In the sentence "A dog is the definiendum in the definition of a pet," the term defines what is being explained.

Examples

  • In the sentence 'A triangle is a three-sided polygon,' the definiendum is 'triangle'.

  • Every dictionary entry starts with a definiendum followed by its explanation.

  • The teacher asked the students to identify the definiendum in each definition.

  • The definiendum is essential.

  • What is the definiendum here?

  • The definiendum in any definition must be clear to ensure understanding of the concept.

  • When writing a dictionary entry, the definiendum is essential for identifying the word being defined.

Synonyms

term
vsdefiniendum
∞ 4.1

A word or phrase with a clear meaning in a subject

is the word given by a definition rather than a specialized vocabulary item
lemma
vsdefiniendum
  • Specialized
1 8.1

The main word at the top of a dictionary entry

is the word given by a definition rather than a reference form
headword
vsdefiniendum
  • Specialized
6.3

The main word at the start of a dictionary entry or phrase shown in bold

is the word given by a definition rather than just the listing title
entry word
vsdefiniendum
  • Jargon
4.7

The main word shown as the heading in a dictionary

is the word given by a definition rather than only the heading form

Surface Forms

definiendum singular
definienda plural

Etymology

Definiendum comes from the same base as define, which means 'to explain the meaning', and the ending -endum means 'that must be', like agenda which means 'things to be done'. So definiendum means 'the thing to be defined', which is why it names the word or phrase being defined in a sentence or dictionary.