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define - 5 dictionary results

de⋅fine

  [di-fahyn] verb -fined, -fin⋅ing.
Use define in a Sentence
–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 definitely; specify distinctly: to define one's responsibilities.
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.
Origin:
1325–75; ME def(f)inen < AF, OF definer to put an end to < L dēfīnīre to limit, define, equiv. 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

Synonyms:
3. state, name, describe, detail, enumerate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To define
de·fine   (dĭ-fīn')   
v.   de·fined, de·fin·ing, de·fines

v.   tr.
    1. To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
    2. To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain: define the properties of a new drug; a study that defines people according to their median incomes.
    3. To delineate the outline or form of: gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
    4. To specify distinctly: define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
    1. To delineate the outline or form of: gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
    2. To specify distinctly: define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
  3. To give form or meaning to: "For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
v.   intr.
To make or write a definition.

[Middle English definen, diffinen, from Old French definir, diffiner, from Latin dēfīnīre, to limit, determine : dē-, intensive pref.; see de- + fīnis, boundary, limit.]
de·fin'a·bil'i·ty n., de·fin'a·ble adj., de·fin'a·bly adv., de·fine'ment n., de·fin'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Define

De*fine"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defined; p. pr. & vb. n. Defining.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. d['e]finir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.]

1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." --Barrow.

2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.

3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.

Rings . . . very distinct and well defined. --Sir I. Newton.

4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.

They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. --Robynson (More's Utopia).

Define

De*fine"\, v. i. To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : define
Spanish: definir,
German: erklären,
Japanese: 定義する
More Translations »

define 
c.1384, 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." Definite (1553) means "defined, clear, precise, unmistakable;" definitive (c.1386) means "having the character of finality." Definition is recorded from 1645 as a term in logic; the "meaning of a word" sense is from 1551.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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