As used in this chapter,

The term "secretary" shall mean the secretary of the interior of the United States, or his or her duly authorized representative.

The term "appraised value" shall mean the value of lands within the scope of this chapter appraised or reappraised by the secretary without reference to or increment on account of the irrigation works built or to be built by the United States.

The term "district" shall mean an irrigation or reclamation district governed by this chapter as provided in RCW 89.12.030.

The term "federal reclamation laws" shall mean the act of congress of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388) and acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto including the act of congress entitled "An Act to amend the Act approved May 27, 1937 (Ch. 269, 50 Stat. 208), by providing substitute and additional authority for the prevention of speculation in lands of the Columbia Basin project, and substitute an additional authority related to the settlement and development of the project, and for other purposes, enacted and approved in the Seventy-Eighth Session."

The term "lands" shall mean, unless otherwise indicated, lands within the boundaries of a district contracting or intending to contract with the United States under the terms of this chapter.

The term "owner," "landowner," and "any one landowner" shall mean any person, corporation, joint stock association or family owning lands that are within the scope of this chapter.

The term "family" shall mean a group consisting of either or both husband and wife, together with their children under eighteen years of age, or all of such children if both parents are dead, the term "their children" including the issue and lawfully adopted children of either or both husband and wife. Within the meaning of this chapter, lands shall be deemed to be held by a family if held as separate property of husband or wife, or if held as a part or all of their community property, or if they are the property of any or all of their children under eighteen years of age.