Definition


The definition is a description of the meaning of a headword, derived from the analysis of quotations and other contexts of documented usage. The definition may be a single unit or divided into a number of senses.

block, noun . . . A large area of agricultural land consisting of a number of farms owned by one person or company, and forming a single unit
slamaaier, noun . . . 1. obsolete. A member of the Cape muslim community . . . 2. In the Cape Muslim community: one who deals in the supernatural

In cases of exact synonymy a defintion is provided for only one headword. The definition for each synonym is replaced by a cross-reference to that headword.

sadza, noun . . . stywe pap
Ilindebele, noun . . . Matabele sense 1 b.

Compounds and derivatives generally have a definition or, in some cases, a cross-reference to another headword where the definition is to be found. Where the meaning is self-explanatory, no definition is provided

konza, verb . . . 1. intransitive. To pay homage, show respect . . . 3. combinations konza-attitude; konza name, a courtesy title
babalaas, noun and adjective . . . A. noun a. A hangover . . . Derivatives: Hence babalaased adjective, hung-over, suffering from a hangover

In some cases an introductory pre-definition gives additional information such as particular social groups who may use a word or an indication of its regional usage. Labels can also be nested in definitions.

bungi, noun . . . Especially among university students: one who rejects middle-class values and who is characterized by unconventional dress and behaviour, and often by the use of drugs, especially marijuana
shackland, noun Chiefly in KwaZulu-Natal: an urban shack settlement, usually erected very rapidly, and not officially proclaimed as a residential area
late, adjective . . . Among speakers of Sintu (Bantu) languages, used frequently in non-standard ways, especially predicatively, as a euphemism for ‘deceased’, ‘dead’