- OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. définir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See FinalFinish
- To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.Todefinecontroversies.
- To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
- 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.
- 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.
