determinate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective precisely determined or limited or defined; especially fixed by rule or by a specific and constant cause
    • a determinate distance
    • a determinate number
    • determinate variations in animals
  2. adjective not continuing to grow indefinitely at the apex
    • determinate growth
  3. adjective satellite supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement
    definitive.
    • a definitive verdict
    • a determinate answer to the problem

WordNet

De*ter"mi*nate adjective
Etymology
L. determinatus, p. p. of determinare. See Determine.
Definitions
  1. Having defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite.
    Quantity of words and a determinate number of feet. Dryden.
  2. Conclusive; decisive; positive.
    The determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Acts ii. 23.
  3. Determined or resolved upon. Obs.
    My determinate voyage. Shak.
  4. Of determined purpose; resolute. Obs.
    More determinate to do than skillful how to do. Sir P. Sidney.
De*ter"mi*nate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To bring to an end; to determine. See Determine. Obs.
    The sly, slow hours shall not determinate The dateless limit of thy dear exile. Shak.

Webster 1913