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definite - 4 dictionary results

def⋅i⋅nite

  [def-uh-nit]
Use definite in a Sentence
–adjective
1. clearly defined or determined; not vague or general; fixed; precise; exact: a definite quantity; definite directions.
2. having fixed limits; bounded with precision: a definite area.
3. positive; certain; sure: It is definite that he will take the job.
4. defining; limiting.
5. Botany. (of an inflorescence) determinate.
Origin:
1520–30; < L dēfīnītus limited, precise, ptp. of dēfīnīre; see define, -ite 2

Related forms:
def⋅i⋅nite⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. specific, particular. 2. well-defined.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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def·i·nite   (děf'ə-nĭt)   
adj.  
  1. Having distinct limits: definite restrictions on the sale of alcohol.
  2. Indisputable; certain: a definite victory.
  3. Clearly defined; explicitly precise: a definite statement of the terms of the will. See Synonyms at explicit.
  4. Grammar Limiting or particularizing.
  5. Botany
    1. Of a specified number not exceeding 20, as certain floral organs, especially stamens.
    2. Cymose; determinate.

[Middle English diffinite, defined, from Latin dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīnīre, to define; see define.]
def'i·nite·ly adv., def'i·nite·ness n.
Usage Note: Definite and definitive both apply to what is precisely defined or explicitly set forth. But definitive most often refers specifically to a judgment or description that serves as a standard or reference point for others, as in the definitive decision of the court (which sets forth a final resolution of a judicial matter) or the definitive biography of Nelson (that is, the biography that sets the standard against which all other accounts of Nelson's life must be measured).
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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Definite

Def"i*nite\, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d['e]fini. See Define.]

1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval.

Elements combine in definite proportions. --Whewell.

2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.

3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.] --Shak.

4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.

Definite article (Gram.), the article the, which is used to designate a particular person or thing, or a particular class of persons or things; -- also called a definitive. See Definitive, n. -

Definite inflorescence. (Bot.) See Determinate inflorescence, under Determinate.

Law of definite proportions (Chem.), the essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple.

Definite

Def"i*nite\, n. A thing defined or determined. [Obs.]
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : definite
Spanish: definitivo,
German: eindeutig, endgültig,
Japanese: 明確な
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