Entry Word: define

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to draw or make apparent the outline of <the glass skyscraperʼs sleek silhouette was strikingly defined by the setting sun to its west> — see outline 1
2 to mark the limits of <the river defines the town on the south> — see limit 2
3 to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group <a student who is defined by her unswerving loyalty to her friends> — see characterize 1
4 to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly <let me define the task so that there is no doubt in your minds about what needs to be done> — see prescribe