Thesaurus: define

Related headwords

Definitions

1. v. t. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
2. v. t. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
3. v. t. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
4. v. t. To word/determine">determine the word/precise">precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
5. v. i. To determine; to decide.
6. v. determine the essential quality of
7. v. word/give">give a word/definition">definition for the meaning of a word
8. v. determine the nature of
9. v. show the form or outline of
10. v. decide upon or fix definitely
11. 1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." Barrow. 2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country. 3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument. Rings . . . very distinct and well defined. Sir I. Newton. 4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term. They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. Robynson (More's Utopia). To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
12. To determine; to decide. [Obs.]