The actual definition of anime is a controversial topic. Anime is short for, "animation." For the purpose of this site, and for your best understanding, anime is anything that is similar to the iconic Japanese art style. The strictest definition is that anime is an animated show originally produced in Japan. Although this is the technical definition, the practical use of the word can include various other animated works that were not produced in Japan, such as Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Air Bender.