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definition

 - 3 dictionary results

def⋅i⋅ni⋅tion

  [def-uh-nish-uhn]
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–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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Medical Dictionary

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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