Definitions

[Jair]

Do you think there is a need for good prose in writing encyclopedic definitions? Or is clarity the only goal to strive for?

[cacian]

I don't understand the question.
What is the difference between clarity and good prose?
Are you meaning to say straight to the point as oppose to imageries?

[Jair]

Take this definition for example:

"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy."

Would it have been better to make the second part of the definition more vague if it would add aesthetic value, or is a list of terms the best choice since it doesn't leave much to be desired.

Would the definition be better if written like this:

"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life, living organisms, and all related phenomena."

[xtianfriborg13]

Take this definition for example:

"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy."

Would it have been better to make the second part of the definition more vague if it would add aesthetic value, or is a list of terms the best choice since it doesn't leave much to be desired.

Would the definition be better if written like this:

"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life, living organisms, and all related phenomena."

Great tip! Would keep that in mind.