Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Define \De*fine"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defined}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Defining}.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F.
d['e]finir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- +
finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See
{Final}, {Finish}.]
1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
``To define controversies.'' --Barrow.
2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark
the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or
country.
3. 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. --Sir I.
Newton.
4. 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. --Robynson
(More's
Utopia).
Source : WordNet®
defined
adj 1: clearly characterized or delimited; "lost in a maze of words
both defined and undefined"; "each child has clearly
defined duties" [ant: {undefined}]
2: showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary; "hills
defined against the evening sky"; "the setting sun showed
the outlined figure of a man standing on the hill" [syn: {outlined}]
3: clearly defined; "I have no formed opinion about the chances
of success" [syn: {formed}, {settled}]