Why can't I find the definition of general population on Answers.com?

Answer 1

Definitions are typically for individual words. There is no need to define phrases if the individual words already have meaning; unless that phrase uses them in a way not typical of the words on their own.

Since both general and population have well known meanings, using the term general population does not need to be defined separately.

However; for the sake of understanding, lets examine the definitions of the words and their usage together:

The definition of population:

All the inhabitants of a particular place (typically either: a specific town, area, or country. Or a particular section, group, or type of people or animals living in a defined area)

The definitions of general:

Adjective: Affecting or concerning all or most of something (people, places, things)

Noun: A military position of very high rank

In this case; general is being used as an adjective.

Therefore; general population would mean: most of the people living in a particular defined location. In contrast; population would be all of the people in that location.

One of the most common uses of the term general population is in relation to prisons. The general population area of a prison is where most of the prisoners congregate and refers to the common areas shared by them such as cafeterias, waiting areas, and outdoor yards where the general population (most of the prisoners) are allowed to congregate and mingle amongst each other.

This is in contrast to segregated prisoners who are placed in solitary confinement (as punishment) or various other forms of isolation (like protective custody) and are thus not allowed to mingle with the other prisoners.

So if you were discussing the population of a prison; population would refer to all of the prisoners. General population would refer to most of the prisoners; and segregated prisoners would refer to those in isolation or protective custody being kept away from the rest.

General population can also be used to refer to any situation where most of somethings population is known for a particular thing; but where in you don't want to refer to everyone simply because that generalization does not technically apply to everyone.

For example: Stating that the entire population of the world eats rice would be a statement that is not entirely true. Some people don't, some have Allergies, others simply don't like it, etc.

However, stating that: the general population of China eats rice; would be a statement that can be proven through simple checking of statistical rice growth and sales in relation to the population of China. That country produces and consumes such a large volume that it is easy to prove most (but probably not all) of China actually does in fact consume rice. It's a statement where the use of general population serves to leave room for the fact that not all of the population is being referenced within the statement.

So in summary; general population refers to most of a population. However; which population you are discussing is far more relevant to understanding its usage; since both words: general and population, are already defined in any common dictionary.