“Nonce Word” Claim Definitions: Avoiding a § 112(f) “Means” Interpretation

An undefined coined term for an element – i.e., an undefined “nonce word”-defined  element – may trigger a “means plus function” interpretation of  that element.

To be sure, the case law does not sufficiently distinguish between a “nonce word” and a defined “nonce word”, a point yet to be fully appreciated.  The law relating to a “nonce word”-defined element is explained in detail in the writer’s monograph[FN*]  (excerpt attached).