Defineer

Defineer is a neologism used in some discussions of lexicography and knowledge management to describe a person or automated system responsible for drafting precise, unambiguous definitions for terms within a controlled vocabulary, glossary, or ontology.

The coinage combines the verb define with the agentive suffix -er, following patterns such as designer, editor. It is not recognized as a standard term in major dictionaries and has limited usage, appearing mainly in online discussions and speculative writing about terminology management.

A defineer typically would identify terms requiring definition, determine scope, draft definitions with essential properties, usage notes, and examples, and ensure consistency across related terms. The role often involves collaboration with subject-matter experts, adherence to style guides, and alignment with broader ontological commitments.

In practice, the concept may be realized as either a human role such as glossary editor or terminologist, or as a software module that aids in generating and validating definitions, linking terms to concept URIs, and checking for definitional ambiguity.

Critics warn that definitional drift and over-definition can arise, and emphasize the need for governance and review. Proponents argue that defined and well-maintained definitions improve search, data interoperability, and machine readability.

See also: glossary editor, terminologist, ontology engineering, terminology management, knowledge graph curation.