define Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb determine the essential quality of
    delineate; delimitate; delimit; specify.
  2. verb give a definition for the meaning of a word
    • Define `sadness'
  3. verb determine the nature of
    • What defines a good wine?
  4. verb show the form or outline of
    delineate.
    • The tree was clearly defined by the light
    • The camera could define the smallest object
  5. verb decide upon or fix definitely
    set; fix; limit; determine; specify.
    • fix the variables
    • specify the parameters

WordNet

De*fine" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. définir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Defined ; present participle & verbal noun Defining
Definitions
  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 country.
  3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
    Rings . . . 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 term.
    They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. Robynson (More's Utopia).
De*fine" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To determine; to decide. Obs.

Webster 1913