English

Noun

definition by pointing ‎(plural definitions by pointing)

1. (semantics) Ostensive definition.
   • 1950, Richard Robinson, Definition:

     The peculiar advantages of definition by pointing are only two. First, it is available before any other method is, namely, at the beginning of each symbolizer's life.

   • 1954, F.A. Philbrick, Understanding English: An Introduction to Semantics:

     Ampere is likewise incapable of definition by pointing and has to be defined ...

   • 1964, Ronald Christensen, Foundations of Inductive Reasoning:

     He argues that independent of any verbal definitions, we know the meaning of blue and green, say through a definition by pointing.

   • 1976, Peter T. Manicas, Arthur N. Kruger, Logic: The Essentials:

     Closely related to definition by pointing is definition by examples. Using this method to define "suspension bridge," one might mention the Brooklyn Bridge, ...

Quotations

• For usage examples of this term, see Citations:definition by pointing.

Translations

See also

• definition by example