DEFINITIONS
Noun
definitions
plural of definition
Source: Wiktionary
DEFINITION
Def`i*ni"tion, n. Etym: [L. definitio: cf. F. définition.]
1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, the
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)
Definition: An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the
logical essence.
5. (Opt.)
Definition: Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical
instrument; precision in detail.
Syn.
– Definition, Explanation, Description. 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition