definiimi

Definiimi is a neologism used in semantics and philosophy of language to describe the minimal, context-insensitive content required to define a term within a domain of discourse. A definiimi is not a word or a synonym; it is the nucleus of a definition—the essential features, properties, or constraints that distinguish the term from other terms in the same category.

Usage and scope: In analysis of definitions, researchers propose that a good definition relies on one or more definiimi that are both necessary and sufficient within the intended domain. In practice, the definiimi may be phrased as a conjunction of criteria, such as class membership, characteristic properties, and functional role. The idea emphasizes clarity and the ability to transfer the definition across contexts.

Illustration: The definiimi of 'triangle' could be stated as: 'a planar figure with exactly three straight sides.' Here, 'planar figure' and 'three straight sides' constitute the essential criteria; other features (color, size, orientation) are nonessential modifiers that do not form part of the definiimi.

Relation and debates: The definiimi concept interacts with synonymy, loans, and borderline cases. Critics argue that in natural language the biology of definitions, context and pragmatic factors influence what counts as essential, challenging the idea of a single fixed definiimi.

See also: Definition, semantic nucleus, essential property, dictionary theory.