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dlitem
All <dt>
and <dd>
elements must be contained by a <dl>
element.
Why it matters
A definition list is a list of terms (words or phrases), and their definitions.
The <dt>
and <dd>
elements must be contained by a <dl>
element.
When an assistive technology encounters a definition list that’s poorly structured, it might respond in an unexpected way. As a result, people who use assistive technologies might find it difficult to interpret the list.
How to fix
Contain all <dt>
and <dd>
elements in a <dl>
element.
Example
Fail
<dl>
element. Assistive technologies might not present them as part of a definition list.<h3>Glossary</h3>
<dt>Coffee</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of various Coffea species.</dd>
<dt>Tea</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the cured leaves of Camellia sinensis.</dd>
<dt>Coffee</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of various Coffea species.</dd>
<dt>Tea</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the cured leaves of Camellia sinensis.</dd>
Pass
<dl>
element. Assistive technologies can present the list correctly.<h3>Glossary</h3>
<dl>
<dt>Coffee</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of various Coffea species.</dd>
<dt>Tea</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the cured leaves of Camellia sinensis.</dd>
</dl>
<dl>
<dt>Coffee</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the roasted seeds of various Coffea species.</dd>
<dt>Tea</dt>
<dd>A beverage prepared from the cured leaves of Camellia sinensis.</dd>
</dl>
About this rule
This rule passes if:
<dt>
or<dd>
element has a parent<dl>
element