define

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   determine the nature of

   What defines a good wine?

2. 2
   verb

   show the form or outline of

   The tree was clearly defined by the light

3. 3
   verb

   To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

   the defining power of an optical instrument

4. 4
   verb

   To settle, decide (an argument etc.)

   These warlike Champions, all in armour shine, / Assembled were in field the chalenge to define.

5. 5
   verb

   To express the essential nature of something.

   I define myself as a techno-anarchist.

6. 6
   verb

   To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.

   The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.

7. 7
   verb

   To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.

   Person 1: Is she good at math? Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.

8. 8
   verb

   To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.

   to define the legal boundaries of a property

Etymology

From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”).