Main Entry: def·i·ni·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English diffinicioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin definition-, definitio, from definire

Date: 14th century

1 : an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
2 a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something b : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol <dictionary definitions> c : a product of defining
3 : the action or process of defining
4 a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear <the definition of a telescope> <her comic genius is beyond definition> b (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail <improve the definition of an image> (2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction c : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits <a jacket with distinct waist definition>

— def·i·ni·tion·al \-ˈni-shə-n^əl\ adjective