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View synonyms for

definition

[ def-uh-nish-uhn ]

noun

  1. the act of defining, or of making something definite, distinct, or clear:

    We need a better definition of her responsibilities.

  2. the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, idiom, etc., as found in dictionaries. An online dictionary resource, such as Dictionary.com, can give users direct, immediate access to the definitions of a term, allowing them to compare definitions from various dictionaries and stay up to date with an ever-expanding vocabulary.
  3. the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined:

    His biceps have great muscle definition.

  4. Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.
  5. Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.


definition

/ ˌɛɪˈɪʃə /

noun

  1. a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc
  2. the act of defining a word, phrase, etc
  3. specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it
  4. the act of making clear or definite
  5. the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite
  6. a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌھˈԾپDzԲ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ··Ծ·پDz· adjective
  • ··Ծ·پDz··ly adverb
  • ···Ծ·پDz noun
  • ···Ծ·پDz noun
  • -··Ծ·پDz noun
  • ܲ···Ծ·پDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of definition1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diffinicioun, from Old French diffinition, from Latin ŧīīپō- (stem of ŧīīپō ), equivalent to ŧīī(ܲ) ( definite ) + -ō- noun suffix ( -ion )
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That rise is, at least in part, attributable to increased autism awareness and an expanding definition of the disorder, scientists say.

From

There is no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generally describe limited cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

From

If he is successful, it's due to Texas law's broad definition of legitimate "self-defense," which was passed by Republican lawmakers acting on behalf of gun lobbyists.

From

"There must be clear definitions, accountability measures, and legal consequences for those who exploit this technology to cause harm - especially when it involves real victims and their families," Ms Morris said.

From

The ruling states that sex is binary, and that a “woman” is someone whose biological sex aligns with that definition.

From

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definite relative pronoundefinitions