definition
Pluraldefinitions
- 1A statement that explains the meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol, or says exactly what something is.
Each entry in the dictionary pairs a headword with a clear definition.
She argued that the legal definition of 'resident' excluded temporary workers.
UsageUsually the definition of a word. The set phrase by definition means because of what a thing is.
Note
A dictionary definition reports how a word is already used, while a stipulative one assigns a meaning by agreement. Thomas R. Marshall named the risk in 1925: a definition means nothing unless the maker and the hearer hold the same concept.
- 2The act of defining something: stating what it means or fixing exactly what it covers and where its limits are.
The definition of key terms is the first step in drafting any contract.
Precise definition of the problem made the solution obvious.
- 3Clearness and sharpness of outline, especially in an image, with distinct edges and visible detail.
The high-resolution screen rendered the map with remarkable definition.
Cheap lenses blur the edges and lose definition toward the corners.
UsageOften in high definition, hyphenated before a noun: high-definition video. Pictures lose or lack definition.
Similarsharpness, clarity, resolution, detail
Note
It can belong to the instrument as well as to the picture. One speaks of the definition of a telescope as readily as of an image, and improving definition means making detail and edges easier to tell apart.
- 4A clear instance that conforms exactly to the textbook idea of something.
His calm response under pressure was the definition of professionalism.
The tiny lamp-lit café was the definition of cozy.
UsageAlmost always the definition of, often the very definition of or the textbook definition of: the definition of cozy.
Similarepitome, embodiment, essence, quintessence, picture
Note
It borrows its force from the dictionary sense. To call something the definition of a thing is to say a dictionary could hold it up as the model case.
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6The sharpness with which individual muscles stand out beneath the skin.
The bodybuilder's abs showed remarkable definition on stage.
Low body fat brought out the definition across her back and shoulders.
UsageUsually definition in a body part: definition in her shoulders. People get or build it with training.
Similartone
Note
A bodybuilder's measure of how sharply each muscle separates from its neighbors. It comes from cutting subcutaneous fat until the muscle bellies and their striations show through the skin. A large but smooth physique has size without it.
- 7In programming, a statement that fully creates a named item, for example by setting aside storage for a variable or supplying a function's body.
- 8The part of a cryptic clue that gives the straight meaning of the answer, usually separate from the wordplay.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of definition apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
The Latin verb dēfīniō gave the noun dēfīnītiō, which passed into Middle French as definition and then into Middle English as diffinicioun. In English terms it is define plus -ition.