define

(dĭ-fīnˈ)

1. a. To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
   b. To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain: define the properties of a new drug; a study that defines people according to their median incomes.
2. a. To delineate the outline or form of: gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
   b. To specify distinctly: define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
3. To give form or meaning to: “For him, a life is defined by action” (Jay Parini).

Related Forms:

• de·finˌa·bilˈi·ty noun

• de·finˈa·ble adjective

• de·finˈa·bly adverb

• de·fineˈment noun

• de·finˈer noun