“The notorious definition for door runs to 72 words, written as if the dictionary’s audience were Martians who had never encountered human-made doors. The single statement for hotel is even more bizarre: weighing in at 91 words, it manages to mention such features as ‘a large open street-level lobby containing easy chairs,’ shops selling ‘clothes, gifts, candy, theater tickets, travel tickets,” and “personal services (as hairdressing, shoe shining).’”
—The Boston Globe’s article “The 72-word door” sheds light on why dictionary definitions never seem to be written in a straightforward manner.
