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definition - 4 dictionary results
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def⋅i⋅ni⋅tion

  [def-uh-nish-uhn]
Use definition in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of defining or making definite, distinct, or clear.
2. the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, etc.
3. the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined.
4. Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.
5. Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME diffinicioun < OF diffinition < L dēfīnītiōn- (s. of dēfīnītiō), equiv. to dēfīnīt(us) (see definite ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
def⋅i⋅ni⋅tion⋅al, adjective
def⋅i⋅ni⋅tion⋅al⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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def·i·ni·tion   (děf'ə-nĭsh'ən)   
n.  
    1. A statement conveying fundamental character.
    2. A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
    3. The act of making clear and distinct: a definition of one's intentions.
    4. The state of being closely outlined or determined: "With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
    5. A determination of outline, extent, or limits: the definition of a President's authority.
    6. The clarity of detail in an optically produced image, such as a photograph, effected by a combination of resolution and contrast.
    7. The degree of clarity with which a televised image or broadcast signal is received.
  2. The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning.
    1. The act of making clear and distinct: a definition of one's intentions.
    2. The state of being closely outlined or determined: "With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
    3. A determination of outline, extent, or limits: the definition of a President's authority.
    4. The clarity of detail in an optically produced image, such as a photograph, effected by a combination of resolution and contrast.
    5. The degree of clarity with which a televised image or broadcast signal is received.
    1. The clarity of detail in an optically produced image, such as a photograph, effected by a combination of resolution and contrast.
    2. The degree of clarity with which a televised image or broadcast signal is received.

[Middle English diffinicioun, from Old French definition, from Latin dēfīnītiō, dēfīnītiōn-, from dēfīnītus, past participle of dēfīnīre, to define; see define.]
def'i·ni'tion·al adj.
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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Definition

Def`i*ni"tion\, n. [L. definitio: cf. F. d['e]finition.]

1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.

2. Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition.

Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for. --Locke.

3. Description; sort. [R.] "A new creature of another definition." --Jer. Taylor.

4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.

5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.

Syn: Definition, Explanation, Description.

Usage: A definition is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an explanation is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a description enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that description is only an extended definition. "Logicians distinguish definitions into essential and accidental. An essential definition states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an accidental definition lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc." --Whately.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : definition
Spanish: definición,
German: die Erklärung, die Definition,
Japanese: 定義
More Translations »

Main Entry: def·i·ni·tion
Pronunciation: "def-&-'nish-&n
Function: noun
: the action or the power of making definite and cleardefinition of a microscope lens>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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