What is plagiarism in technical writing?

Plagiarism in technical writing is characterized by the unauthorized use of someone else's work or ideas without proper citation. This definition encompasses a wide range of actions, including copying text, paraphrasing someone else's ideas, or using their images or data without acknowledgment. Proper citation is essential in academic and technical writing as it gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to trace the source of the information, maintaining the integrity and credibility of the work.

While the other options involve elements related to writing and citation practices, they do not accurately define plagiarism. Using quotes from experts is a valid practice when proper attribution is given. Summarizing content, when done appropriately and cited correctly, does not constitute plagiarism either. A citation failure refers to situations where citations are not provided, but it is a broader issue that could lead to plagiarism rather than defining it. The emphasis in the correct answer reflects the importance of original authorship and proper credit in the realm of technical writing.