diff --git a/docs/learn/encyclopedia/data-format/xdr.mdx b/docs/learn/encyclopedia/data-format/xdr.mdx
index 2fe3f403e..0d7d1d526 100644
--- a/docs/learn/encyclopedia/data-format/xdr.mdx
+++ b/docs/learn/encyclopedia/data-format/xdr.mdx
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ Stellar stores and communicates ledger data, transactions, results, history, and
 
 ## .X files
 
-Data structures in XDR are specified in an interface definition file (IDL). The IDL files used for the Stellar Network are available on [GitHub](https://github.com/stellar/stellar-xdr).
+Data structures in XDR are specified in `.x` files. These files _only_ contain data structure definitions, no operations or executable code.
+The `.x` files for the XDR structures used on the Stellar Network are available on [GitHub](https://github.com/stellar/stellar-xdr).
 
 ## JSON and XDR Conversion Schema