de·fine

[dih-fahyn] verb, de·fined, de·fin·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.
to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.): They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”
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.
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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

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.
Cite This Source Link To define
Collins
World English Dictionary
define (dɪˈfaɪn) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—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 finish]
 
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
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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
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Malnutrition rates in some areas are five times more severe than the threshold
  aid agencies use to define a crisis.
He would not allow himself to define what that involuntary question meant.
It is simpler and more straightforward to define what is not a planet.
Most define the notion as advancing human endeavors without diminishing
  prospects for future generations.
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