The Definition List element represents a list of terms and
corresponding definitions. Typical formatting of a definition list is
flush left for the term (DT) with the definition (DD) indented on a
separate line (block formatted.) An alternate method of display is to
have the DD item indented on the same line as the DT to more strongly
associate the term/definition relationship.
The contents of this list structure is a sequence of DT and DD terms
(this is the only list structure in which the DT and DD elements are allowed
to appear, and they are usually found in pairs.) Multiple DT terms may be
paired with a single DD term, but should not be paired with multiple
consecutive DD elements. As with other list content tags, the closing
</dt> and
</dd> tags are optional, as they are
implied by the subsequent list items or end
</dl> tags.
Description:
This attribute helps an author in situations with floating objects (images,
tables, etc.) produced through the Left and
Right ALIGN attributes. It allows content to stop being
flowed around the floated element.
Values: None
[DEFAULT - No special line breaking
effects are applied relative to the floating element.] Left [breaks line after this element
and moves down vertically until the right margin is clear of floated
objects.] Right [breaks line after this element
and moves down vertically until the right margin is clear of floated
objects.] All [breaks line after this element
and moves down vertically until both margins are clear of floated objects.]
Compact
2 | 3
| 3.2 | 4
| IE4B1 | M
| N1 | O
Required? No
Description:
This is a stand alone attribute flag that indicates a compact rendering be
used if possible, possibly because the list items are small or the
entire list is large.
Despite the above caveat to not have multiple consecutive DD
elements, most browsers will have no problem with it.
One of the most common usages for this list structure is solely
to achieve indentation capability [this document is an example.]
Browser Peculiarities
The COMPACT attribute in Netscape will render the DD element on the same
line as the previous DT element only IF the width of the DT contents
is less than the standard indentation width for the DD element.