The Web Design Group

DFN - Defined Term

Syntax <DFN>...</DFN>
Attribute Specifications
Contents Inline elements
Contained in Inline elements, block-level elements

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.

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