Unusual Words
A mechanism is available for identifying specific definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon.
In plain language
If a page uses jargon, idioms, or words in an unusual or specialized way, there should be a way to find out what they specifically mean — like a glossary or a definition link.
Why it matters
People with cognitive disabilities, or anyone unfamiliar with specialized terminology, can get completely lost when a term is used in a non-obvious way with no explanation. A glossary or definition link removes that barrier without dumbing down the content for everyone else.
In practice
Fails this criterion
A technical article repeatedly uses jargon in a specialized sense, with no glossary, tooltip, or link anywhere explaining what it specifically means in that context.
Meets this criterion
The same article links each unusual term to a glossary entry at the bottom of the page, explaining exactly what it means in this specific context.
Test it yourself
Look for jargon, idioms, or unusual word usage in the site's content. Is there a way (glossary, tooltip, link) to find out exactly what that word or phrase means here?