Abstract:

Based on the literature analysis method,this paper primarily analyzes the nature and function of definitions from the research of scholars in German-speaking countries and the Anglo-American world,and arrives at the following conclusions:Definitions are crucial in terminology,and when defining,different perspectives such as specialty,viewpoint,and purpose can be used to observe an object in various ways.The most common methods of definition are intensional definition,extensional definition,and partitive definition;Auxiliary means such as diagrams,illustrations,and examples can be used when defining.There are three categories of considerations when defining (the consistency of nomenclature usage,the purpose and scope of validity,and the continuous updating of definitions).

Key words: definition, methods of definition, flawed definition