defining

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

Noun

1.

defining - any process serving to define the shape of something shaping physical process, process - a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states; "events now in process"; "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls"