Main Entry: de·fine

Pronunciation: \di-ˈfīn\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): de·fined; de·fin·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin definire, from de- + finire to limit, end, from finis boundary, end

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of <whatever defines us as human> b : to discover and set forth the meaning of (as a word) c : to create on a computer <define a window> <define a procedure>
2 a : to fix or mark the limits of : demarcate <rigidly defined property lines> b : to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline <the issues aren't too well defined>
3 : characterize, distinguish <you define yourself by the choices you make — Denison University Bulletin>intransitive verb : to make a definition

— de·fine·ment \-ˈfīn-mənt\ noun

— de·fin·er \-ˈfī-nər\ noun