definability
verb (used with object)
1.
2.
to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe: to define judicial functions.
3.
to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly: to define one's responsibilities. Synonyms: state, name, describe, detail, enumerate.
4.
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of: to define property with stakes.
5.
to make clear the outline or form of: The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
verb (used without object)
6.
to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.
00:10
Definability
is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
Origin:
1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen < Anglo-French, Old French definer to put an end to < Latin dēfīnīre to limit, define, equivalent to dē- de- + fīnīre; see finish
1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen < Anglo-French, Old French definer to put an end to < Latin dēfīnīre to limit, define, equivalent to dē- de- + fīnīre; see finish
Related forms
de·fin·a·ble, adjective
de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
de·fin·a·bly, adverb
de·fine·ment, noun
de·fin·er, noun
mis·de·fine, verb (used with object), mis·de·fined, mis·de·fin·ing.
non·de·fin·a·bil·i·ty, noun
non·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
non·de·fin·a·b·ly, adverb
non·de·fined, adjective
non·de·fin·er, noun
pre·de·fine, verb (used with object), pre·de·fined, pre·de·fin·ing.
re·de·fine, verb (used with object), re·de·fined, re·de·fin·ing.
self-de·fined, adjective
sem·i·de·fined, adjective
un·de·fin·a·ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To definability
Collins
World English Dictionary
define (dɪˈfaɪn) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc) |
| 2. | to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of |
| 3. | to determine the boundary or extent of |
| 4. | (often passive) to delineate the form or outline of: the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it |
| 5. | to fix with precision; specify |
| [C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to | |
| de'finable | |
| —adj | |
| defina'bility | |
| —n | |
| de'finably | |
| —adv | |
| de'finer | |
| —n | |
| define (dɪˈfaɪn) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc) |
| 2. | to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of |
| 3. | to determine the boundary or extent of |
| 4. | (often passive) to delineate the form or outline of: the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it |
| 5. | to fix with precision; specify |
| [C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to | |
| de'finable | |
| —adj | |
| defina'bility | |
| —n | |
| de'finably | |
| —adv | |
| de'finer | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
define
late 14c., from O.Fr. definir "to end, terminate, determine," from L. definire "to limit, determine, explain," from de- "completely" + finire "to bound, limit," from finis "boundary, end" (see finish). Definite means "defined, clear, precise, unmistakable;" definitive means
"having the character of finality."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Nearby Words
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