(1)中國互聯網絡信息中心(CNNIC)對于域名的解釋
域名類似于互聯網上的門牌號碼,是用于識別和定位互聯網上計算機的層次結構式字符標識,與該計算機的互聯網協議(IP)地址相對應。但相對于IP地址而言,更便于使用者理解和記憶。域名屬于互聯網上的基礎服務,基于域名可以提供WWW、EMAIL、FTP等應用服務。
(2)國際互聯網名稱和地址分配組織(The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers,ICANN)對域名的定義
ICANN是域名的管理機構,對于域名的定義應該是最權威的,不過目前從ICANN網站上并沒有發現關于“domain name”這一定義,而是關于“Domain Name System”(域名系統):
What is the Domain Name System?
The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address - just like a telephone number - which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its "IP address" (IP stands for "Internet Protocol"). IP Addresses are hard to remember. The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the "domain name") to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 207.151.159.3, you can type www.internic.net. It is a "mnemonic" device that makes addresses easier to remember.