A definition is a statement that conveys the essential character or fundamental functionality of a word. Like firm backbones, definitions are put in place to provide stability and help structure the thoughts of the essay. The use of definitions also helps the essay form its key points and ideas.

In particular, definitions in health essays help shape up the contents of the essay. The only challenge, though, in making a good definition is the challenge of simplicity. In health essays, you must be able to define the terms using simpler and more understandable words. A helpful guide question would be: Will the readers be able to get the meanings of the words or terms that you tried to define in the health essay? Thus, it is a must to issue clear definitions in your health essay.

There are three kinds of definitions that you can use in your health essay. These definitions are used according to the intended purpose, they are:

• Consensual definitions

A consensual definition is used when defining words that conform to how the general public understands it. It is just like saying back what the people generally know about the term. This kind of definition in health essays is used to add emphasis and stress to the main points.

• Stipulative definition

These definitions are used when the writer wants to define his own terms to be used in the health essay. This implies that the word is not supposed to be understood based on its normal definition but on how the writer actually defines it in the health essay.

Legislative definition

Legislative definitions tackle how the word should be used or ought to be used. This is rarely used in health essays. You can notice this kind of definition when you have cues like “this term or word should be used as” or “this is ought to be.”

In conclusion, the primordial use of definitions depends on the goal or purpose of the health essay. If you know your goal, then you will know what definition to write in your health essay.