As a lexical definition, the definition "'Pencil' means a cylindrical piece of wood, a few inches in length, having a graphite core and a piece of soft rubber attached to one end" may be criticized as:
A) Being obscure.
B) Failing to convey the essential meaning of the word being defined.
C) Being circular.
D) Being vague.
E) Being ambiguous.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While this definition may be accurate in describing a common type of pencil, it does not convey the essential meaning of the word "pencil." A better definition would be something like "a writing instrument consisting of a graphite or other colored core encased in a cylindrical body, typically made of wood or plastic."

As a Lexical Definition, the Definition "'Pencil' Means a Cylindrical