---
description: Look up an Ontoref glossary term (ondaod, Espiral, Gate, on+re, PAP, …)
argument-hint: "<term-id-or-alias> [--lang es|en] [--list]"
allowed-tools: Bash
---

# Term lookup

Resolve a glossary term and render it for the current conversation.

**Behavior:**
- If `$ARGUMENTS` is empty, list all terms.
- If the first argument is `--list`, list all terms (passing remaining flags).
- Otherwise, treat the first non-flag argument as the term id / alias / display name.
- Pass `--lang en|es` through to select language. Default: `en`.
- Output as Markdown so it renders directly in chat.

**Run:**

```bash
./ontoref describe term $ARGUMENTS --fmt md
```

Then render the output verbatim.

If the command fails (no `.ontology/glossary.ncl`, no Nickel, etc.), report the
exit code and stderr to the user — do NOT fabricate a definition. The glossary
is authoritative: if the term is missing, propose to add it via
`/ontoterm-propose`.
