abstract (v) — To summarize the important points of a given text. [ chap 1 ]

ancestor — Any person from whom one is descended. [ chap 1 ]

Ancestral File™ — A lineage-linked, surname-indexed data base of pedigrees and family group records submitted since 1980 by researchers all over the world. [ chap 1 ]

census — An official, usually periodic enumeration of a population. [ chap 1 ]

character — A symbol or mark used in a writing system, such as a letter of the alphabet. [ chap 2 ]

chronology — The determination of dates and the sequence of events. [ chap 1 ]

city — A town of significant size and importance which may be incorporated municipality in the United States with definite boundaries and legal powers set forth in a charter granted by the state. [ chap 1 ]

data — Equivalent to information but, in this case, specific information relating to genealogy research. [ chap 1 ]

data entry — The typing of information into a computer database. [ chap 2 ]

data fields — A computer term for places to "type in" birth, marriage, and death dates and places. [ chap 1 ]

database — Information that is collected, usually on a computer, which fits into a narrowly defined set of definitions. Once collected, this information can be sorted and analyzed to reach conclusions. [ chap 2 ]

default preferences — For your computer program, it is the way to set up, in advance, how your computer will react under certain circumstances as you enter and report genealogical data. [ chap 2 ]

direct line — The ancestral line of an individual. [ chap 2 ]

directory — A book containing an alphabetical or classified listing of names, addresses, and other data, such as telephone numbers, of specific persons, groups, or firms. [ chap 1 ]

district — A division of an area, as for administrative purposes such as census taking. [ chap 1 ]

documentation — The supplying of documents or supporting references or records. [ chap 1 ]

enumerate — To name one by one; to list. [ chap 1 ]

evaluation — The ascertaining of the value or worth of information. [ chap 1 ]

extract (v) — To remove (a written passage, for example) for separate consideration or publication. [ chap 1 ]

fact — Something that is real or actual determined by evidence; an event. [ chap 1 ]

field — The space where information is written in a form, e.g. given name. [ chap 2 ]

genealogy —  A record or table of the descent of a person, family or group from an ancestor or ancestors; the study of investigation of ancestry and family histories; a family tree. an�ces�tor Any person from whom one is descended. [ chap 1 ]

generation — A body of people constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor. [ chap 2 ]

hypothesis — A tentative explanation to an event that can be tested by further investigation; a theory. [ chap 1 ]

jurisdiction — The right and power to interpret and apply the law. [ chap 1 ]

level — A position in the ranking of a locality. [ chap 2 ]

obituary — A published notice of a death, sometimes with a brief biography of the deceased. [ chap 1 ]

parish — In Great Britain, a political division of a county for local civil government, usually corresponding to an ecclesiastical parish. [ chap 2 ]

pedigree — A line of ancestors. [ chap 2 ]

record (v) — To put into writing or other permanent forms for preservation. [ chap 1 ]

repository — A place where things may be put for safekeeping. [ chap 1 ]

siblings — One of two or more persons having one or especially both parents in common, e.g. a brother or sister. [ chap 2 ]

source — A book, document or other record supplying primary, or first-hand information. [ chap 1 ]

surname field — Where the last name of a person is typed. It is NOT necessary to type the name in all caps such as "SMITH," just to capitalize the first letter: "Smith." When the name is printed, it will be converted to all caps by most genealogy programs (if so indicated in the default preferences). [ chap 2 ]

township — 1 A subdivision of a county in most northeast and Midwest U.S. states, having the status of a unit of local government with varying governmental powers; a town. 2 A public land surveying unit of 36 sections, or 36 square miles. 3 An ancient administrative division of a large parish in England. [ chap 2 ]

tradition — The passing down of unwritten family stories from generation to generation, especially by oral communication. [ chap 1 ]

transcribe — To write out or type a document in full. [ chap 1 ]

truncate — To shorten, as if cutting off. [ chap 2 ]

vital — Concerning recording data pertinent to lives such as vital records. [ chap 1 ]