explanation, account - a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.; "the explanation was very simple"; "I expected a brief account"

contextual definition - a definition in which the term is used by embedding it in a larger expression containing its explanation; "a contextual definition of `legal duty' might be `X has a legal duty to do Y means that X is required to do Y by a contract relationship that would be upheld in a court of law'"

dictionary definition - a definition that reports the standard uses of a word or phrase or symbol

explicit definition - a definition that gives an exact equivalent of the term defined

ostensive definition - a definition that points out or exhibits instances of the term defined

recursive definition - (mathematics) a definition of a function from which values of the function can be calculated in a finite number of steps

redefinition - the act of giving a new definition; "words like `conservative' require periodic redefinition"; "she provided a redefinition of his duties"

stipulative definition - a definition that is stipulated by someone and that is not a standard usage

distinctness, sharpness - the quality of being sharp and clear