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Technique G55:Linking to definitions

About this Technique

This technique relates to:

This technique applies to all technologies that include links.

Techniques are examples of ways to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They are not required to meet WCAG. Content can satisfy the normative requirements of WCAG even if it does not use any of the documented techniques. See About WCAG Techniques.

Description

The objective of this technique is to make the definition of a word, phrase, or abbreviation available by providing the definition, either within the same web page or in a different web page, and establishing a link between the item and its definition.

Links are a powerful option for providing access to the definition of a word, phrase, or abbreviation. A user can use the link to find the definition quickly and easily, and then return to their place in the content via the user agent's Back button.

Examples

Example 1

Technical terms and abbreviations in an article about sports injuries are linked to definitions in a medical dictionary.

Example 2

A textbook contains a glossary of new vocabulary words introduced in each chapter. The first occurrence of each of these words is linked to its definition in the glossary.

Example 3

A general glossary of abbreviations is provided. All occurrences of abbreviations are linked directly to the appropriate definition within that glossary.

Example 4

The word jargon is linked to its definition in the WCAG2 Glossary.

Example 5

The word "modulo" is jargon used in web content about mathematics. A definition for modulo is included within the web page. Each occurrence of the word modulo is linked to its definition.

Example 6

A Japanese idiom is linked to its definition. This example uses a link within the page to navigate to the definition of an idiomatic expression.

<p>...<a href="#definition">さじを投げる</a>...</p>
<h3>脚注：</h3>
<dl>
  <dt id="definition">さじを投げる</dt>
  <dd>どうすることもできなくなり、あきらめること。</dd>
</dl>

Tests

Procedure

For each word, phrase, or abbreviation to be defined:

  1. Check that at least the first instance of the item is a link.
  2. Check that each link navigates to the definition of the item.

Expected Results

  • Checks #1 and #2 are true.
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