>> However, this is frustrating to scientists who are then left wondering which of n different definitions of some property/parameter you are using and how this influences results.

I've had this sort of trouble also. The way I was taught to resolve it was to define every bit of jargon you use, or at the very least refer to some previous work's definition of that term - _and then stick to that definition come what may_.

So if you use a term, even if you want to use it in a somewhat uncommon manner, define it, and if possible define it before using it. It's like coding, right? Er. In C, anyway, if memory serves.