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predefine

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de⋅fine

  [di-fahyn] verb -fined, -fin⋅ing.
Use predefine 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.
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Word Origin & History

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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