dfn - Defined Term

The dfn element denotes the defining instance of a term. Visual browsers typically render dfn as italic text, but authors can suggest a rendering using style sheets. Since dfn is a structural element, it carries meaning, making it preferable to font style elements such as i when marking up the defining instance of a term.

Netscape Navigator does not support the dfn element. In most cases, the lack of support is not a significant problem; concerned authors could nest the dfn element within an i element or another font style element.

More Information

• dfn in W3C HTML 4.01 Recommendation
• dfn in W3C HTML 3.2 Recommendation
• dfn in WDG HTML 3.2 Reference
• dfn in Learning HTML 3.2 by Examples