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2 definitions found

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:

  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.

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  definition
       n 1: a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or
            symbol
       2: clarity of outline; "exercise had give his muscles superior
          definition"

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