Etymology : Middle English, from Middle French and Latin; Middle French definer, from Latin definire, from de- + finire to limit, end, from finis boundary, end
Pronunciation : di-fIn
Function : verb
Date : 14th century
1. treasure. treasure trove. trove. hoard.
2. explain, clarify; limit, set boundaries. define\de*fine"\ , v. i. to determine; to decide. [obs.]define \de*fine"\ , v. t. [imp. & p. p. defined ; p. pr. & vb. n. defining.] [oe. definer, usually, to end, to finish, f. définir to define, l. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. see:
final, finish.].
3. to fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "to define controversies.".
4. to determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
5. 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. i. newton.
6. 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.define v.
7. give a definition for the meaning of a word; "define `sadness'".
8. determine the essential quality of [syn: specify, delineate, delimit, delimitate].
9. determine the nature of; "what defines a good wine?".
10. delineate the form or outline of: "the tree was clearly defined by the light"; "the camera could define the smallest object" [syn: delineate].
11. treasure.
12. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
13. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
14. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
15. 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.
16. To determine; to decide. give a definition for the meaning of a word; "Define `sadness'" determine the nature of; "What defines a good wine?" delineate the form or outline of; "The tree was clearly defined by the light"; "The camera could define the smallest object".
17. treasure, treasure trove, trove, hoard. treasure. buried treasure, treasure, treasure trove.
18. buried treasure. trove.
19. 1. If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him He was asked to define his concept of cool. + defined de·fined a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership. = delineated.
20. If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary. Collins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as `a person obsessively addicted to work'.