The Definition Essay

The definition essay is especially important to you as a future health care professional. It is widely used in medical dictionaries, journals, textbooks, and other printed materials. For example, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary   defines diseases according to etiology, symptom, treatment, and prognosis. Furthermore, you encounter definitions as you read brochures about laboratory equipment you may be considering to purchase or operate.

The definition essay contains an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and concluding paragraph. Each part has a basic pattern of organization. However, before we examine these patterns, let's first look at a sample outline for the subject hemophilia. This outline, along with the sample essay, was adapted from an outline and definition essay written by Mr. William Tardieu's 2001 spring semester HSC English 182 class.

Outline

 
I. Introduction
II. Causes
     A. Genetic inheritance
     B. Genetic mutation
III. Symptoms
     A. Bruises
     B. Bleeding
          1. Deep muscle bleeding
          2. Joint bleeding
              a. Increases in frequency with age
              b. Causes swelling pain, and irritation
          3. Mouth bleeding
          4. Other bleeding symptoms
IV. Treatment
      A. Blood transfusion
      B. Medication
V. Conclusion

Definition Essay Pattern of Organization

 

INTRODUCTION

1. State what the disease is and why it is important.
Hemophilia is a congenital blood related disorder. Although there are two types of treatments available today, modern medicine has not yet provided a cure.
2. Give background information, and define the disease.
Historically, hemophilia has been linked to royalty (e.g., the Romanovs). In reality, however, one in 10,000 male births worldwide is hemophilic. Hemophilia is a group of plasma protein deficiencies. It is sex linked in that it is more prevalent in men than in women.
3. State the thesis sentence to include the purpose and the main idea of the essay.
This essay presents a definition of hemophilia based on its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Body Paragraphs

>From HSC English 181, you already know that a paragraph consists of the following:
Genetic inheritance and gene mutation are the two main causes of hemophilia.
Genetically inherited hemophilia is more prevalent among males because they inherit only one X chromosome.

AND

Genetic mutation, however, is caused by an error in DNA replication.

This can be triggered by prolonged (excessive) exposure to chemicals and radiation.
When you write an essay body paragraph, you need to remember two points. First, each topic sentence must not only contain the main idea of the paragraph, but also that main idea must be a main point of the thesis sentence. Furthermore, the body paragraphs must be written in the order that the main points are listed in the thesis sentence. For example, if you write that this essay presents a definition of hemophilia based on its causes, symptoms, and treatment , then your first body paragraph must be about causes of hemophilia, the second about symptoms of hemophilia, and the final body paragraph about treatment for hemophilia.

Concluding Paragraph

1. Paraphrase the thesis sentence.
2. Summarize the distinguishing features.

The Completed Essay

 
A DEFINITION OF HEMOPHILIA

     Hemophilia is a congenital blood related disorder. Although there are two types of treatments available today, modern medicine has not yet provided a cure. Historically, hemophilia has been linked to royalty (e.g., the Romanovs). In reality, however, one in 10,000 male births worldwide is hemophilic. Hemophilia is a group of plasma protein deficiencies. It is sex linked in that it is more prevalent in men than in women. This essay presents a definition of hemophilia based on its causes, symptoms and treatment.

    Genetic inheritance and gene mutation are the two main causes of hemophilia. Genetically inherited hemophilia is more prevalent among males because they inherit only one X chromosome. Genetic mutation, however, is caused by an error in DNA replication. This can be triggered by prolonged (excessive) exposure to chemicals and radiation.

    Hemophiliacs may exhibit symptoms associated with persistent bleeding. Bruises are common symptoms which do not usually require treatment. Deep muscle bleeding, which differs from a pulled muscle complaint, occurs due to blood loss from the circ muscle. Another symptom, joint bleeding (hemarthosis), increases in frequency with age. It causes swelling and pain, as well as irritation, which may develop into arthritis. Mouth bleeding becomes a troublesome and messy symptom when blood mixes with saliva; however, it is usually amino symptom. In addition, there are other symptoms, including nose, urinary and skin bleeding.

    Blood transfusion and medication are two possible treatments for hemophilia. The former requires a large concentration of "freeze dried" factors VIII and IX. An alternative treatment for mild hemophilia involves the use of Desmopressin; however, this drug is effective in only 85% of cases.

    In conclusion, hemophilia is a genetically inherited disorder which can be defined based on its causes, symptoms and treatment.  This disorder is caused by a missing X chromosome or a genetic mutation. Regardless of its cause, hemophilia is characterized by bruises and bleeding. Hemophiliacs generally are treated by receiving blood transfusions and taking medication.