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de·fine  (d-fn)

v. de·fined, de·fin·ing, de·fines

v.tr.

1.

a. To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).

b. To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain: define the properties of a new drug; a study that defines people according to their median incomes.

2.

a. To delineate the outline or form of: gentle hills that were defined against the sky.

b. To specify distinctly: define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.

3. To give form or meaning to: "For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).

v.intr.

To make or write a definition.

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[Middle English definen, diffinen, from Old French definir, diffiner, from Latin dfnre, to limit, determine : d-, intensive pref.; see de- + fnis, boundary, limit.]

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de·fina·bili·ty n.

de·fina·ble adj.

de·fina·bly adv.

de·finement n.

de·finer n.

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	defined - clearly characterized or delimited; "lost in a maze of words both defined and undefined"; "each child has clearly defined duties" definite - precise; explicit and clearly defined; "I want a definite answer"; "a definite statement of the terms of the will"; "a definite amount"; "definite restrictions on the sale of alcohol"; "the wedding date is now definite"; "a definite drop in attendance" undefined, vague - not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished; "an undefined term"; "undefined authority"; "some undefined sense of excitement"; "vague feelings of sadness"; "a vague uneasiness"
	2.	defined - showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary; "hills defined against the evening sky"; "the setting sun showed the outlined figure of a man standing on the hill" outlined distinct - easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined; "a distinct flavor"; "a distinct odor of turpentine"; "a distinct outline"; "the ship appeared as a distinct silhouette"; "distinct fingerprints"

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defined

adjective marked, clear, obvious, prominent, distinct, conspicuous, well-worn, sign-posted a clearly defined track down to the valley