DataTerminology.comNEW
Also known as: Term Definitions, Business Definitions
Precisely worded statements that capture the agreed meaning, scope, and context of business terms and data elements.
DESCRIPTION
Definitions establish shared meaning across stakeholders and systems. Good definitions are clear, unambiguous, context-aware, and include inclusions/exclusions and examples when needed. They underpin glossaries, naming standards, and metric specifications. Governance ensures definitions are reviewed, versioned, and linked to affected reports, data assets, and policies.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
Wikipedia
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term.
Concise general definition applicable to business terminology.
ISO 1087
ISO 1087 establishes the basic principles and methods for preparing and compiling definitions and other terminological entries.
Positions definitions within formal terminology standards.
RELATED TERMS
Data Glossary Business Glossary Semantic Consistency Knowledge Representation Class Hierarchy Naming Convention Governance Terminology Management Scope Note
COMPETING TERMS
Implicit Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Metadata Management Semantic & Knowledge Modeling Data Governance Data Management
TARGET AUDIENCE
Data Steward Data Governance Manager Information Analyst Data Architect BI Specialist Data Analyst
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Definition
- ISO - Terminology principles (ISO 1087)
- OMG - SBVR business vocabulary rules
- DATAVERSITY - Role of definitions in glossaries
TOP QUESTIONS
What makes a high-quality data definition?
It is clear, unambiguous, context-specific, concise, and includes boundaries and examples when helpful.
Category: BestPractice
Who approves definitions?
Data stewards propose and governance councils approve, involving domain experts as needed.
Category: Governance
How often should definitions be reviewed?
Periodically or when business processes change; use versioning and change logs.
Category: Practice
How do definitions connect to BI metrics?
Metrics reference definitions to standardize calculations and ensure consistent reporting.
Category: Relationship
What tools support managing definitions?
Business glossaries, catalogs, and terminology management systems with workflow and lineage.
Category: Tools
What risks arise from poor definitions?
Misinterpretation, inconsistent reports, and compliance issues can result.
Category: Risk
Should definitions include examples?
Yes, when they clarify boundaries or reduce ambiguity without changing the formal meaning.
Category: Opinion
How do definitions differ from labels?
Labels are names; definitions capture the meaning and scope behind those names.
Category: Misunderstanding
How to manage synonyms in definitions?
Document preferred terms and alternates, and cross-reference them in the glossary.
Category: HowTo