The following information is applicable to object classes, data element concepts, data elements, glossary items only
A concise statement that expresses the essential nature of the metadata item and its differentiation from other metadata items.
Mandatory completion.
The definition should be expressed precisely and unambiguously so that the exact meaning of the item is apparent from the definition.
Describe the item concisely, without repeating the name of the metadata item at the start of the definition, embedding definitions of related concepts, or embedding supportive information.
The definition should be expressed through terms and a structure which is consistent with related definitions.
The definition should be expressed as a complete, grammatically correct and descriptive phrase, sentence or paragraph, not merely through the use of synonyms or paraphrasing the name of the metadata item.
A definition should not contain definitions of other metadata items or concepts. Rather, it should provide an explanation of WHAT is being described. It should generally not include information about the WHO, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW of data collection.