Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Define
De-fine′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Defined
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Defining
.] 1.
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
“To define controversies.” Barrow.
2.
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of;
as, to
. define
the extent of a kingdom or country3.
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly;
as, the
. defining
power of an optical instrumentRings . . . very distinct and well
defined
. Sir I. Newton.
4.
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 termThey
define
virtue to be life ordered according to nature. Robynson (More’s Utopia).
De-fine′
,Verb.
I.
To determine; to decide.
[Obs.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Define
DEFINE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To determine or describe the end or limit; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.2.
To determine with precision; to ascertain; as, to define the limits of a kingdom.3.
To mark the limit; to circumscribe; to bound.4.
To determine or ascertain the extent of the meaning of a word; to ascertain the signification of a term; to explain what a word is understood to express; as, to define the words, virtue, courage, belief, or charity.5.
To describe; to ascertain or explain the distinctive properties or circumstances of a thing; as, to define a line or an angle.DEFINE
,Verb.
I.