I actually assumed that was already a general rule, because any word I've ever cross referenced in a dictionary has always been there. In fact, in the diminutive "Little" Oxford[1] there are few enough words available for definitions that you can get stuck in a loop between two words! Although there's always at least one other synonym word in the definitions.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Little-Oxford-English-Dictionary/dp/B...

I'd really love to know the technology behind lexicography, as a state of the art. If anyone works in this field, any pointers you might provide are highly appreciated.

I understand that unity is a difficult thing to attain in dictionaries, but perhaps there are tools and methods used by lexicographers that I need to learn about, as an interested party.