definition 
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defi·ni·tion (def′ə nis̸h′ən)
noun
- a defining or being defined
- a statement of what a thing is
- a statement of the meaning as of a word or phrase
- a putting or being in clear, sharp outline
- a making or being definite, explicit, and clear
- the power of a lens to show (an object) in clear, sharp outline
- the degree of distinctness of a photograph, etc.
- the clearness with which recorded or broadcast sounds or televised images are reproduced; absence of fuzziness
Etymology: ME diffinicioun < OFr definicion & ML diffinitio, both < L definitio
Related Forms:
- definitional def′i·ni′·tional adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
definition
n.
Expressed meaning of a term
meaning, explanation, description, signification, denotation, diagnosis, analogue, synonym, exposition, elucidation, rendering, drift, sense, referent, interpretation, formalization, explication, clue, individuation, exemplification, annotation, gloss, cue, key, translation, comment, paraphrase, clarification, rendition, rationale, commentary, formal statement of meaning, dictionary meaning, representation, characterization, recursive definition, expounding; see also description 1, explanation 1, 2, meaning.The process or result of making limits clear
delineation, determination, demarcation, distinctness, sharpness, clarity, encompassment, circumscription, outline, boundary, outlining, surveying; see also clarity.Antonyms
confusion*, muddling, mixing.
Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preposition: of
- terrorism: That is why it is so disappointing that the United Nations was unable to agree a definition of terrorism earlier this month.
Converse of object
- agree: There is no agreed definition of the precautionary principle.
Preposition: in
- glossary: Key terms are linked to definitions in an accompanying glossary.
Adjective modifier
- precise: The precise definition of the star allocation system varies according to the type of accommodation.
Noun used with modifier
- dictionary: To which sense in the above standard dictionary definition is his closest?
The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.
The poet reminds men of their uniqueness and it is not necessary to possess the ultimate definition of this uniqueness. Even to speculate is a gain.
'Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!'said Mr Gradgrind 'Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals!' 'Bitzer'said Thomas Gradgrind.'Your definition of a horse.' 'Quadruped.Graminivorous. Forty teeth, namely twenty-four grinders, four eye-teeth, and twelve incisive. Sheds coat in the spring; in marshy countries, sheds hoofs, too. Hoofs hard, but requiring to be shod with iron. Age known by marks in mouth.' Thus (and much more) Bitzer. 'Now girl number twenty,'said Mr Gradgrind.'You know what a horse is.'
He did the thing that no one else would even dare to think of doing. And that to me's as good a definition of a 'hero'as you'll get. Even when the thing that's done is something of which you disapprove.
Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Cite this page:
MLA Style
"definition." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009
- Your Dictionary. 3 July 2009
- <www.yourdictionary.com/definition>
APA Style
definition. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary
- Retrieved July 3rd, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/definition
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