HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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<DT> Element

Category: Lists
Period: HTML 1 / HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

Marks a term in a definition list.

Syntax

<DT>Term

Attributes

None.

Usage Guidelines

• Use inside DL before a DD.
• Keep the term short.
• Use CODE around tag or attribute names if helpful.
• Several DT elements can share one DD, but simple pairs are clearer.

Common Mistakes

• DT outside DL has no proper structure.

Example Code

<DL>
<DT><CODE>ALT</CODE>
<DD>Alternative text for an image.
</DL>

Authoring Note

Write the document first, then test it in a graphical browser and a text browser. The page should remain understandable if images fail, colours are ignored, or the browser uses its own fonts.

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