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Definitions for: Definition
[n] clarity of outline; "exercise had give his muscles superior definition"
[n] a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
Webster (1913) Definition: Def`i*ni"tion, n. [L. definitio: cf. F.
d['e]finition.]
1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a
telescope accurate in definition.
2. Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a
description of a thing by its properties; an explanation
of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of
``circle;'' the definition of ``wit;'' an exact
definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another
understand by words what the term defined stands
for. --Locke.
3. Description; sort. [R.] ``A new creature of another
definition.'' --Jer. Taylor.
4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which
make up the logical essence.
5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by
an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Syn: Definition, Explanation, Description.
Usage: A definition is designed to settle a thing in its
compass and extent; an explanation is intended to
remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is
therefore more extended and minute; a description
enters into striking particulars with a view to
interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not
therefore true, though often said, that description is
only an extended definition. ``Logicians distinguish
definitions into essential and accidental. An
essential definition states what are regarded as the
constituent parts of the essence of that which is to
be defined; and an accidental definition lays down
what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it,
viz., properties or accidents, such as causes,
effects, etc.'' --Whately.
See Also: account, contextual definition, dictionary definition, distinctness, explanation, explicit definition, ostensive definition, recursive definition, redefinition, sharpness, stipulative definition
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