transitive verb defined -·fined′, defining -·fin′·ing

1. 1. to determine or set down the boundaries of
   2. to trace the precise outlines of; delineate
2. to determine or state the extent and nature of; describe exactly define your duties
3. 1. to give the distinguishing characteristics of
   2. to constitute the distinction of; differentiate reason defines man
4. to state the meaning or meanings of (as a word)

Etymology: ME diffinen < OFr definer & ML diffinire, both < L definire, to limit, define < de-, from + finire, to set a limit to, bound: see finish

intransitive verb