A linguistic definite article is a word used to specify a particular noun that is already known to the listener or reader. In English, the most common definite article is the word the. It signals that the noun it precedes refers to a specific item, such as the book on the table, indicating that both the speaker and listener are aware of which book is being discussed. Definite articles help clarify communication by reducing ambiguity. For example, saying the dog implies a specific dog, while saying a dog could refer to any dog. This distinction is crucial in languages, as it aids in conveying precise meaning and context in conversations.