define

Definitions

1. 1.To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.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).
4. 4.To determine; to decide. [Obs.]

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "define" mean?
• What is another word for "define"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is define.

• What is to determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country called?
• What is 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 called?