de·fine [ di fn ](past and past participlede·fined, present participlede·fin·ing, 3rd person present singularde·fines)
verb
Definition:
1. transitive verb state something: to state or describe something exactly clearly defined objectives
2. transitive verb characterize somebody or something: to identify somebody or something by a distinctive characteristic quality or feature The age we live in is defined by a deep sense of uncertainty.
3. transitive verb show something clearly: to show something clearly, especially in shape or outline
(
usually passive
)
The tire marks were clearly defined in the snow.
4. transitive verb mark line: to mark a boundary, edge, or limit That row of trees defines the eastern boundary of the estate.
5. transitive and intransitive verb give meaning of word: to give the precise meaning of a word or expression
[14th century. Via French< Latin definire "limit, determine" < finis "final moment, end"]
