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 dogma2 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 defining3: the action or process of defining4 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