Retorical Patterns: Definition

Rhetorical Patterns: Definicion.
What is a definition?
 Is a rhetorical pattern made up by a concept, a class and the characteristic that make the concept different from other elements in that class.
 A definition is a thorough description of the meaning of a lexical unit.
 A definition is the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, idiom, etc.
Definition is a necessary strategy for all kinds of writing.
 Is a pattern of writing or speaking which strives to inform the audience on what a term means and how it is different from other terms.
 Definition paragraphs are used in order to explain the meaning, origin and function of things.
 A definition paragraph is a paragraph explaining a term or subject, so your audience comprehends the topicof the paragraph. This can be done in three different ways: Synonym, Class, and Negation.
o Synonym is explaining the term by using the words that mean the same thing. Example:The customer asserted that she would use, utilize, employ, and exercise all rights due to her under law.
o Class is when you put your topic in a larger category to explain your term. Example: A pineapple is a tropicalfruit that has an acidic and sweet taste.
o Negation means that the write first says something is not, and then says what it is. Example: A snowcone is not an ice cream cone, but rather a shredded ice and syrup.
 If the definition starts with the concept, it is called real definition. Conversely, if the concept appears at the end, the definition is called nominal.
Examples:
o Real definition: ACessna 170b is a small airplane that was introduced in 1952 and has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts besides fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees.
o Nominal definition: A small airplane that was introduced in 1952 and has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts besides fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees is known as Cessna 170b.
o Concept: Cessna170b.
o Class: small airplane.
o Characteristic: introduced 1952, has fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees, has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts.
Notice that the format of a definition within a text may vary:
1- A Cessna 170b-- a small airplane that was introduced in 1952-- has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts besides fowler flaps able to spread upto 40 degrees. (real)
2- Cessna 170b: A small airplane that was introduced in 1952 has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts besides fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees. (real)
3- It has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts besides fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees—it is the Cessna 170b, a small airplane that was introduced in 1952. (nominal)4- It has a wing frame similar to that of military aircrafts…. It has fowler flaps able to spread up to 40 degrees… it is a small airplane that was introduced in 1952: the Cessna 170b (nominal)

 Clue words:
Is/are Is/are called
Is/are defined as Is/are described as
Is/are known as Mean/whichmean
For example.
In addition to the expressions above, some punctuation can be used as a definition clue too
For example:
Comma: many heavy smokers develop emphysema, a serious lung disease which makes breathing very difficult
Parentheses: Paella (Spanish fried rice mixed with small pieces of vegetables, fish, and chicken) is better served hot as breakfast
Dash: carbon dating a scientificmethod to determine the age of old objects is generally accepted to be accurate.

Examples:
Amtrack
An amtrack is not a boat; however, it is a military vehicle that moves on the ocean as well as on land. It’s an armored vehicle that weighs twenty-six tons. An amtrack’s job is to carry troops from ships off shore onto the beach in an amphibious assault. It’s made out of aluminum, with steel...