Definition

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ËŒdÉ›fɪˈnɪʃən/

Origin

From Middle English diffinicioun, from Middle French definition, from Latin dēfīnītiō, from dēfīniō.

Full definition of definition

Noun

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

Related terms

• define
• definiendum
• definiens
• definitional

Derived terms