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define

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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionaryde·fine \di-ˈfīn\ verb (de·fined ; de·fin·ing) ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Latin definire, from de- + finire to limit, end, from finis boundary, end DATE 14th centurytransitive verb1. 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 procedure2. 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 defined3. characterize, distinguish you define yourself by the choices you make — Denison University Bulletinintransitive verb: to make a definition• de·fine·ment \-ˈfīn-mənt\ noun• de·fin·er \-ˈfī-nər\ nounEnglish Etymologydefine late 14c., from O.Frhttp://O.Fr. definir "to end, terminate, determine," from L. definire "to limit, determine, explain," from de- "completely" + finire "to bound, limit," from finis "boundary, end" (see finish). Definite means "defined, clear, precise, unmistakable;" definitivemeans "having the character of finality."Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7☞ definede·fine / di5fain / verb1. [VN] ~ sth (as sth) to say or explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is 解释(词语的含义)；给…下定义: The term 'mental illness' is difficult to define. "精神病"这个词很难下定义。 Life imprisonment is defined as 60 years under state law. 按照州法律终身监禁定义为 60 年。 2. to describe or show sth accurately 阐明；明确；界定: ▪ [VN] We need to define the task ahead very clearly. 我们需要明确今后的任务。 The difficulty of a problem was defined in terms of how long it took to complete. 问题的难易度是以解决这个问题所花时间的长短而定的。 ▪ [V wh-] It is difficult to define what makes him so popular. 很难解释清楚什么原因使他如此走红。 3. [VN] to show clearly a line, shape or edge 画出…的线条；描出…的外形；确定…的界线；界定: The mountain was sharply defined against the sky. 那座山在天空的衬托下显得轮廓分明。 • de·fin·able adj.Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of EnglishOxford Collocations dictionary for students of Englishdefine verb ADV. accurately, carefully, correctly, exactly, explicitly, precisely, specifically It is important to define these terms accurately. | clearly, fully, strongly, well | adequately There may be problems if responsibilities are not adequately defined. | ill, poorly | broadly We have chosen to define the scope of our study quite broadly. | loosely, vaguely | closely, narrowly, rigidly, strictly, tightly | simply, solely | easily | formally, officially | traditionally | culturally, geographically, socially the culturally defined role of women | legally VERB + DEFINE be difficult to, be impossible to | be easy to Social values are not easy to define. PREP. in terms of The difficulty of a problem was defined in terms of how long it took to complete. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus-11th Editionv. Function: verb 1 Synonyms: PRESCRIBE 2, assign, lay down Related Words: circumscribe, limit, mark (off), mark (out); designate; delineate, describe Contrasted Words: confound, confuse, mistake 2 Synonyms: BORDER 1, bound, edge, hem, margin, outline, rim, skirt, surround, verge 3 Synonyms: ETCH 2, delineate Related Words: explain, expound, interpretWebster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridgedde·fine\də̇ˈfīn, dēˈ-\ verb(-ed/-ing/-s)Etymology: Middle English definen, diffinen, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French definer, diffiner to determine, bring to an end, from Latin definire to determine, bring to an end, explain, from de- + finire to limit, finish, end, from finis boundary, end — more at finaltransitive verb1. obsolete : to bring to an end : conclude; often : settle < defined the controversy >: decide, determine2. : to fix, decide, or prescribe, clearly and with authority < define the power of a court by statutory enactment >3. : to mark the limits of : determine with precision or exhibit clearly the boundaries of < define the extent of a kingdom >4. : to make distinct in outline or features : bring into relief < a tree defined against the sky > < a well-defined impression of an event > < the defining power of a lens >5. a. : to discover and set forth the meaning of (as a word or term); specifically : to formulate a definition of b. : to determine the essential qualities of (as a concept or thing) c. : to determine the precise signification of d. : describe, expound, interpret, explain6. a. mathematics : to specify the construction or interpretation of (a concept) < define a conic section by a Cartesian equation > b. : to set apart in a class by identifying marks : characterize, distinguish < good manners define the gentleman > c. : to establish in the mind so as to orient one's social reactions toward : identify < define a situation as hostile > < define a person as one of the four hundred >intransitive verb1. obsolete a. : to act as a judge in deciding or determining b. : to deliver a precise opinion2. : to formulate one or more precise statements of meaning :make a definitionSynonyms: see prescribe

To Define Verb From Defined End B A