Main Entry:

do·main

Pronunciation:

\dō-ˈmān, də-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

alteration of Middle English demayne, from Anglo-French demeine, from Latin dominium, from dominus

Date:

15th century

1 a: complete and absolute ownership of land — compare eminent domain b: land so owned2: a territory over which dominion is exercised3: a region distinctively marked by some physical feature <the domain of rushing streams, tall trees, and lakes>4: a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity <the domain of art>5: the set of elements to which a mathematical or logical variable is limited ; specifically : the set on which a function is defined6: any of the small randomly oriented regions of uniform magnetization in a ferromagnetic substance7: integral domain8: the highest taxonomic category in biological classification ranking above the kingdom9: any of the three-dimensional subunits of a protein that are formed by the folding of its linear peptide chain and that together make up its tertiary structure10: a subdivision of the Internet consisting of computers or sites usually with a common purpose (as providing commercial information) and denoted in Internet addresses by a unique abbreviation (as com or gov) ; also : domain name