Definer

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.