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



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Word of the Day

8 November 2024

REPLACEMENT

(noun) the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another; “replacing the star will not be easy”


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