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How to Cite a Definition Within a Text by APA

Citing a definition can be a useful way to add relevant information and context about a specific word within your work. While this is relatively common within academic essays, there is often some confusion about the correct way to provide a citation about the source of a particular definition within the text of your work. However, this is actually quite straightforward and allows for some flexibility, but only if a full citation is also given at the end of your work.

Instructions

- 1
  Introduce the dictionary by name. For example: "The Oxford English Dictionary."
- 2
  Give the definition. For example: "The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'moulin' as 'A vertical shaft in a glacier, formed by surface water percolating through a crack in the ice.'"
- 3
  Write the edition and date of publication of the dictionary cited within parentheses. For example "The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'moulin' as 'A vertical shaft in a glacier, formed by surface water percolating through a crack in the ice.' (7th ed., 2000)."
- 4
  Include a full citation of the specific dictionary within your work's references section. For example: "Moulin. (2000). In C. Soanes (Ed.), Oxford English Dictionary (929, 7th ed., vol. 1). New York: Oxford University Press."

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