This technique relates to the following sections of the guidelines:
Provide a mechanism for finding or identifying the definitions of words.
A definition list can be used to present the definitions of words. The
list is marked up using the dl
element. The title
-attribute
can be used to provide additional information
about the
definition list. Within the list, each term is put in a
separate dt
element,
and its definition goes in the dd
element directly following
it.
Definition lists are easiest to use when the definitions are put in alphabetical order.
This is an example of a list of definitions of nautical terms used on a website about sailing.
<dl title="Nautical terms"> <dt>Knot</dt> <dd> <p>A <em>knot</em> is a unit of speed equaling 1 nautical mile per hour (1.15 miles per hour or 1.852 kilometers per hour). </p> </dd> <dt>Port</dt> <dd> <p><em>Port</em> is the nautical term (used on boats and ships) that refers to the left side of a ship, as perceived by a person facing towards the bow (the front of the vessel). </p> </dd> <dt>Starboard</dt> <dd> <p><em>Starboard</em> is the nautical term (used on boats and ships) that refers to the right side of a vessel, as perceived by a person facing towards the bow (the front of the vessel). </p> </dd> </dl>