A model for the definition of concepts: Rules for analytical definitions in terminological databases

Sager, Juan C.; L'Homme, Marie-Claude

doi:10.1075/term.1.2.08sag

Article published In: Terminology
Vol. 1:2 (1994) ► pp.351–373

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A model for the definition of concepts

Rules for analytical definitions in terminological databases

Juan C. Sager | University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and University of Montreal

Marie-Claude L'Homme | University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and University of Montreal

Published online: 1 January 1994

https://doi.org/10.1075/term.1.2.08sag

The pattern of existing terminological definitions is analysed, and a model for the terminological definition of concepts is proposed that is considered more appropriate to data-processing applications than present patterns of definition. The model consists of a regularised form of the traditional analytical definition by categorising and restricting the modes of description and thereby reducing the free-text element in the defining phrase. The new model should permit automatic prompting and control of the defining activity, highly efficient data storage and greater information extraction in retrieval. The model is currently being tested in a real application.

Keywords: Terminology, Definition, Term Banks

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