Definition of DEFINE

define

Plural: defines

Verb

Verb Forms: defined, defining, defines

  • To state or explain the exact meaning of.
  • determine the essential quality of
  • give a definition for the meaning of a word
    • "Define `sadness'"
  • determine the nature of
    • "What defines a good wine?"
  • show the form or outline of
    • "The tree was clearly defined by the light"
    • "The camera could define the smallest object"
  • decide upon or fix definitely
  • To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
  • To settle, decide (an argument etc.)
  • To express the essential nature of something.
  • To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
  • 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.
  • To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
  • To establish the referent of a term or notation.

Noun

  • A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.

Examples

  • "Can you define ’QUIXOTIC’?" she asked, challenging her opponent’s Scrabble play.
  • I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
  • 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.
  • the defining power of an optical instrument
  • The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
  • to define the legal boundaries of a property
  • Your past mistakes do not define who you are.

Origin / 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”).

Scrabble Score: 10

define: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
define: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
define: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

define: valid Words With Friends Word