Clearly defining terms is one way of helping to resolve problems of ambiguity and there are many types of definitions one can use:

• Lexical or dictionary definitions The OED defines “defines” as…
• Disambiguating definitions “ When I said…I meant…”
• Stipulative definitions For the purposes of this class, a “kwijybo” is “a big dumb balding North American ape with no chin and a short temper”
• Precising definitions A small amount of salt is less than .5 tsp
• Systematic or theoretical