define : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: define	by the DICT Development Group
3 results for define
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
define v determine the essential quality of [syn: specify, define, delineate, delimit, delimitate] 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" Synonym(s): define, delineate decide upon or fix definitely; "fix the variables"; "specify the parameters" Synonym(s): specify, set, determine, define, fix, limit
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Define \Define"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defined}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Defining}.] [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. d[82]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. [bd]To define* controversies.[b8] --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).
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Define \De*fine"\, v. i. To determine; to decide. [Obs.]