Hyper Dictionary

English Dictionary Computer Dictionary Thesaurus Dream Dictionary Medical Dictionary


Search Dictionary:  

Meaning of DEFINE

Pronunciation:  di'fIn

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. [v]  give a definition for the meaning of a word; "Define `sadness'"
  2. [v]  determine the essential quality of
  3. [v]  determine the nature of; "What defines a good wine?"
  4. [v]  delineate the form or outline of; "The tree was clearly defined by the light"; "The camera could define the smallest object"
 
 Websites: 
 
 Synonyms: delimit, delimitate, delineate, specify
 
 See Also: be, characterise, characterize, determine, determine, fix, limit, redefine, redefine, set, show, specify

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. \De*fine"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defined}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Defining}.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F.
d['e]finir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- +
finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See
{Final}, {Finish}.]
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).

  2. \De*fine"\, v. i.
To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
 
 Websites: 
 
Thesaurus Terms
 
 Related Terms: assign, baptize, be characteristic, bed, blaze, blaze a trail, blemish, blotch, bound, brand, call, chalk, chalk up, characterize, check, check off, christen, cicatrize, circle in, circumscribe, clarify, confirm, construe, dapple, dash, deep-dye, delimit, delimitate, delineate, demarcate, denominate, describe, designate, detail, determine, diagnose, differentiate, discolor, distinguish, dot, dub, earmark, edge, embed, enclose, engraft, engrave, entitle, entrench, establish, etch, explain, expound, fix, fleck, found, freckle, gash, ground, hatch, hem, identify, impact, implant, impress, imprint, infix, ingrain, inscribe, interpret, jam, keynote, label, lay down, lay off, limit, line, lodge, make a mark, margin, mark, mark boundaries, mark off, mark out, mark the periphery, mottle, name, nick, nickname, nominate, notch, outline, pack, pencil, pepper, plant, point, prick, print, punch, punctuate, puncture, read, read into, riddle, rim, root, rope off, scar, scarify, score, scotch, scratch, seal, seam, seat, set, set apart, set down, set in, set the limit, set the pace, set the tone, settle, skirt, sound the keynote, specify, speck, speckle, spell out, splotch, spot, stain, stake out, stamp, state, stereotype, stigmatize, streak, striate, stripe, style, surround, tag, take, take it that, take to mean, tattoo, term, tick, tick off, title, trace, underline, underscore, understand, understand by, verge, wedge
 

 

 

 

COPYRIGHT © 2000-2003 WEBNOX CORP. HOME | ABOUT HYPERDICTIONARY