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De - Pt| English Dictionary: definition | by the DICT Development Group |
| 2 results for definition | |
| From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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| From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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Definition \Def`i*ni"tion\, n. [L. definitio: cf. F. d[82]finition.] 1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition. 2. Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of [bd]circle;[b8] the definition of [bd]wit;[b8] an exact definition; a loose definition. Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for. --Locke. 3. Description; sort. [R.] [bd]A new creature of another definition.[b8] --Jer. Taylor. 4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence. 5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail. Syn: {Definition}, {Explanation}, {Description}. Usage: A definition is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an explanation is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a description enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that description is only an extended definition. [bd]Logicians distinguish definitions into essential and accidental. An essential definition states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an accidental definition lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc.[b8] --Whately. | |
