define (redirected from definability)

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.

---

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

---

de·fina·bili·ty n.

de·fina·ble adj.

de·fina·bly adv.

de·finement n.

de·finer n.

---

define

Verb

[-fining, -fined]

1. to describe the nature of

2. to state precisely the meaning of

3. to show clearly the outline of: the picture was sharp and cleanly defined

4. to fix with precision; specify: define one's duties [Latin definire to set bounds to]

definable adj

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	define - determine the essential quality of delimit, delimitate, delineate, specify determine - fix in scope; fix the boundaries of; "the tree determines the border of the property" be - have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun); "John is rich"; "This is not a good answer" redefine - give a new or different definition to; "She redefined his duties"
	2.	define - give a definition for the meaning of a word; "Define `sadness'" specify, fix, limit, set, determine, define - decide upon or fix definitely; "fix the variables"; "specify the parameters" redefine - give a new or different definition of (a word)
	3.	define - determine the nature of; "What defines a good wine?" characterise, characterize - be characteristic of; "What characterizes a Venetian painting?"
	4.	define - show the form or outline of; "The tree was clearly defined by the light"; "The camera could define the smallest object" delineate show - make visible or noticeable; "She showed her talent for cooking"; "Show me your etchings, please"
	5.	define - decide upon or fix definitely; "fix the variables"; "specify the parameters" specify, fix, limit, set, determine quantify - use as a quantifier choose, pick out, select, take - pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives; "Take any one of these cards"; "Choose a good husband for your daughter"; "She selected a pair of shoes from among the dozen the salesgirl had shown her" name - mention and identify by name; "name your accomplices!" reset - set anew; "They re-set the date on the clock" define - give a definition for the meaning of a word; "Define `sadness'"

---

define

verb 1. mark out, outline, limit, bound, delineate, circumscribe, demarcate, delimit

verb 2. describe, interpret, characterize, explain, spell out, expound

verb 3. establish, detail, determine, specify, designate

Translations

define [dɪˈfaɪn] vt (COMPUT) → definir

---

define [dɪˈfaɪn] vt → définir

---

define [dɪˈfaɪn] vt (limits, boundaries) → bestimmen, festlegen;

(word) → definieren

---

define [dɪˈfaɪn] vt (gen), (COMPUT) → definire