Phrase guide

operational definition

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A showing of something — such as a variable, term, or object — in terms of the specific process or set of validation tests used to determine its presence and quantity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The operational definition of a well-behaved student might be set at the threshold of "no more than 2 detentions in each semester".
  • To divide the spectrum of spicy sauces into three categories of "mildly spicy", "moderately spicy", and "extremely spicy", we set the operational definitions of "mild", "moderate", and "extreme" as (a) 0 to 3 × 103 Scoville units, (b) more than 3 × 103 up to 100 × 103, and (c) more than 100 × 103, respectively.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: definition, meaning, identity, characterization

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: operacionální definice — definition in terms of operations or measurements
  • Czech: operační definice — definition in terms of operations or measurements