What is the definition of a defamatory word?

Defamatory words are those “that contain an imputation that tends to lower the plaintiff in the estimation of right thinking members of society generally or to expose him (her) to hatred, contempt, or ridicule. To be actionable, the words must be reasonably understood by others, in a defamatory sense. Words may be defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning, they may carry an implied meaning (the true innuendo) and /or an extended meaning (the false innuendo). Unless the liberal meaning is plain and obvious, the plaintiff must plead what he (she) alleges the words were intended to mean.” (ref. Laufer v. Bucklaschuk, at 93)