What is a glossary in technical writing?

In technical writing, a glossary serves as a crucial tool that provides readers with a list of terms accompanied by their definitions, specifically those that are pertinent to the content of the document. This resource is essential because technical documents often include specialized vocabulary or jargon that may not be familiar to all readers. By offering clear definitions, a glossary enhances the clarity of the content and aids in comprehension, allowing users to better understand the material without becoming lost in terminology.

A glossary not only supports readers in grasping complex concepts but also ensures that communication is precise and effective, which is particularly important in fields that are highly technical or unfamiliar to the audience. This focused approach to defining terms distinguishes it from other elements that may be included in a document, such as summaries, audience descriptions, or comparisons of documents, which serve different purposes in the context of technical writing.