<def-list> Definition List

List in which each item consists of two parts: 1) a word, phrase, term, graphic, chemical structure, or equation, that is paired with 2) one or more descriptions, discussions, explanations, or definitions of it.

Usage/Remarks

The definition <def> part of an item in a two-part (definition) list need not be a “definition” in the strict dictionary sense of that word. Such a definition could be a discussion, explanation, expansion, or something that tells the reader about the <term>. When a <def-list> is within a <glossary> element, the definitions are assumed to be real definitions.
Related Elements
A <def-list> may take a <label> that provides it with a number or other designator, followed by an optional <title> naming the entire list, followed by optional headings for terms and their definitions. <term-head> contains the heading over the first (term) column, and <def-head> contains the heading for the second (definition) column; neither serves as a container element for terms or definitions. Individual <term>s and their <def>s are paired in <def-item>s. Definition lists are recursive, so following all the terms and definitions, there may be one or more embedded <def-list> elements.
Attributes

Base Attributes

Models and Context
May be contained in
Description
Content Model
<!ELEMENT  def-list     %def-list-model;                             >
Expanded Content Model

((object-id)*, label?, title?, term-head?, def-head?, (def-item | x)*, (def-list)*)

Tagged Sample

Abbreviations and expansions

...
<back>
 <glossary>
  <def-list>
   <title>ABBREVIATIONS</title>
   <term-head>Abbreviation</term-head>
   <def-head>Expansion</def-head>
   <def-item>
    <term id="G1">PAP I</term>
    <def><p>poly(A)polymerase I</p></def>
   </def-item>
   <def-item>
    <term id="G2">PNPase</term>
    <def><p>polynucleotide phosphorylase</p></def>
   </def-item>
  </def-list>
 </glossary>
</back>
...
Related Resources