definition

[ def-uh-nish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act of defining, or of making something definite, distinct, or clear:

   We need a better definition of her responsibilities.

2. the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, idiom, etc., as found in dictionaries. An online dictionary resource, such as Dictionary.com, can give users direct, immediate access to the definitions of a term, allowing them to compare definitions from various dictionaries and stay up to date with an ever-expanding vocabulary.
3. the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined:

   His biceps have great muscle definition.

4. Optics. sharpness of the image formed by an optical system.
5. Radio and Television. the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction.

definition

/ ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən /

noun

1. a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc
2. the act of defining a word, phrase, etc
3. specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it
4. the act of making clear or definite
5. the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite
6. a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast

Derived Forms

• ˌdefiˈnitional, adjective

Other Words From

• def·i·ni·tion·al adjective
• def·i·ni·tion·al·ly adverb
• pre·def·i·ni·tion noun
• re·def·i·ni·tion noun
• self-def·i·ni·tion noun
• sub·def·i·ni·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of definition¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diffinicioun, from Old French diffinition, from Latin dēfīnītiōn- (stem of dēfīnītiō ), equivalent to dēfīnīt(us) ( definite ) + -iōn- noun suffix ( -ion )

Example Sentences

In fact, the definition of “appropriated” was settled conclusively by the Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision handed down in May and written by Justice Clarence Thomas.

From Los Angeles Times

But it quickly became clear, listening to the speeches and talking to delegates, that their definition of "unity" mostly meant crushing everyone else under the boot.

From Salon

As of this writing, 24 states included substance use in pregnancy in their definitions of “childhood abuse or neglect,” and some states in which cannabis was legal have even charged women with child abuse.

From Salon

As a result, when, in January 2009, Barack Obama entered the White House, his administration found itself with a strikingly expanded definition of the powers of the presidency on the table.

From Salon

Most notable among them is John Kelly, who claimed earlier this year that Trump praised Adolf Hitler and was “the definition of a fascist.”

From Salon

Related Words

• answer
• explanation
• interpretation
• rationale
• solution
• translation