Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Definition

Defˊi-ni′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
definitio
: cf. F.
définition
.]
1.
The act of defining; determination of the limits;
as, a telescope accurate in
definition
.
2.
Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term;
as, the
definition
of “circle;” the
definition
of “wit;” an exact
definition
; a loose
definition
.
Definition
being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for.
Locke.
3.
Description; sort.
[R.]
“A new creature of another definition.”
Jer. Taylor.
4.
(Logic)
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
Syn. –
Definition
,
Explanation
,
Description
.
A definition is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an explanation is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a description enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that description is only an extended definition. “Logicians distinguish definitions into essential and accidental. An essential definition states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an accidental definition lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc.”
Whately.

Webster 1828 Edition

Definition

DEFINITION

, n.
1.
A brief description of a thing by its properties; as a definition of wit or of a circle.
2.
In logic, the explication of the essence of a thing by its kind and difference.
3.
In lexicography, an explanation of the signification of a word or term, or of what a word is understood to express.

Definition 2024

Definition

Definition

See also: definition and définition

German

Noun

Definition f ‎(genitive Definition, plural Definitionen)

  1. definition

Synonyms

definition

definition

See also: Definition and définition

English

Noun

definition ‎(plural definitions)

  1. (semantics) A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
  2. A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
  3. The action or process of defining.
  4. The act of defining; determination of the limits.
  5. A product of defining.
  6. The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
    Her comic genius is beyond definition.
  7. Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
    The definition of a telescope.
    Improve the definition of an image.
  8. Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
  9. Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
    A jacket with distinct waist definition.
  10. (bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
  11. (programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
  12. (mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:definition

Related terms

Derived terms

Translations

Finnish

Noun

definition

  1. Genitive singular form of definitio.

Middle French

Noun

definition f (plural definitions)

  1. definition (clarification of this Middle French definition is being sought)

Descendants

Swedish

Pronunciation

Noun

definition c

  1. a definition

Declension

Inflection of definition 
Singular Plural
Indefinite Definite Indefinite Definite
Nominative definition definitionen definitioner definitionerna
Genitive definitions definitionens definitioners definitionernas

Related terms

See also

References

Pronunciation

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