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definitive - 5 dictionary results
Definitive
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de⋅fin⋅i⋅tive

  [di-fin-i-tiv]
Use definitive in a Sentence
–adjective
1. most reliable or complete, as of a text, author, criticism, study, or the like: the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson.
2. serving to define, fix, or specify definitely: to clarify with a definitive statement.
3. having its fixed and final form; providing a solution or final answer; satisfying all criteria: the definitive treatment for an infection; a definitive answer to a dilemma.
4. Biology. fully developed or formed; complete.
–noun
5. a defining or limiting word, as an article, a demonstrative, or the like.
6. Philately. a stamp that is a regular issue and is usually on sale for an extended period of time. Compare commemorative (def. 2).
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < OF < L dēfīnītīvus, equiv. to dēfīnīt(us) (see definite ) + -īvus -ive

Related forms:
de⋅fin⋅i⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
de⋅fin⋅i⋅tive⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
3. complete, absolute, ultimate, supreme.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To definitive
de·fin·i·tive   (dĭ-fĭn'ĭ-tĭv)   
adj.  
  1. Precisely defined or explicit.
  2. Supplying or being a final settlement or decision; conclusive. See Synonyms at decisive.
  3. Authoritative and complete: a definitive biography. See Usage Note at definite.
  4. Biology Fully formed or developed, as an organ or structure.
n.   Grammar
A word that defines or limits, such as the definite article or a demonstrative pronoun.
de·fin'i·tive·ly adv., de·fin'i·tive·ness 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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Definitive

De*fin"i*tive\, a. [L. definitivus: cf. F. d['e]finitif.]

1. Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express.

A strict and definitive truth. --Sir T. Browne.

Some definitive . . . scheme of reconciliation. --Prescott.

2. Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word.

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

Definitive

De*fin"i*tive\, n. (Gram.) A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.

Note: Definitives . . . are commonly called by grammarians articles. . . . They are of two kinds, either those properly and strictly so called, or else pronominal articles, such as this, that, any, other, some, all, no, none, etc. --Harris (Hermes).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Main Entry: de·fin·i·tive
Pronunciation: di-'fin-&t-iv
Function: adjective
: fully differentiated or developed definitive organ>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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