DEFINING
shaping, defining
(noun) any process serving to define the shape of something
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Verb
defining
present participle of define
Adjective
defining (comparative more defining, superlative most defining)
Serving to define or distinguish.
Anagrams
• fiending
Source: Wiktionary
DEFINE
De*fine", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defined; p. pr. & vb. n. Defining.]
Etym: [OE. definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. définir to define,
L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis
boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.]
1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To
define controversies." Barrow.
2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the
limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to
ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical
instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined. Sir I. Newton.
4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of;
to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to
define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. Robynson
(More's Utopia).
De*fine", v. i.
Definition: To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition