DEF

One of the abbreviation symbols used in the diagnostic code book titled International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) . It indicates a definition of disease or procedural term in the descriptions of the diagnoses.

Defamation

Publication of untrue statements that tend to lower a person in the estimation of right thinkin people. Defamation may be (a) libel, i.e. publication in a permanent form such as writing, or (b) slander, meaning a transitory publication such as the spoken word. Defamation is a tort and the aggrieved party can sue for damages if suffering special damage or for an injunction. See LIBEL INSURANCE.
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Any derogatory statement which is designed to injure a person’s business or reputation. Defamation can be accomplished as libel or slander.

Defamation Insurance

Insurance against liability for libel or slander. Cover is commonly effected by publishers of books and newspapers, local authorities and professional persons. Criminal and intentional libels are likely to be excluded and the insured may be required to bear a proportion of any claim by way of co-insurance.

Defeasible or Contingent Interest

(i) A defeasible interest is insurable, as also a contingent interest. (ii) In particular, where the buyer of goods has insured them he has an insurable interest, notwithstanding that he might, at his selection, have rejected the goods, or have treated them at seller’s risk, by reasons of the latter’s delay in making delivery or otherwise.

Defective design

Inadequate or insufficient design in premises or products. Risk management focuses upon designing out risks at the inception. In buildings, the Construction and Design Management Regulations 1994 applies, inter alia, to the design stage. HSWA 1974, s.6, places safety responsibility on designers of products (machines, etc.) for use at work. The defective design risk may be excluded from product liability insurance on the grounds that it is a professional negligence risk. The design risk is not excluded for retailers; they may be strictly liable for defective products under the sale of Goods Act 1979.