Def`i*ni"tion (?), n. [L. definitio: cf. F. définition.] 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.

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. 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.

• The act of defining; determination of the limits.
  
• a statement expressing the essential nature of something
  
• a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions)
  
• a product of defining
  
• the action or process of defining
  
• the action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear: "the definition of a telescope", "her comic genius is beyond definition"
  
• clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail: "improve the definition of an image"
  
• clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction
  
• sharp demarcation of outlines or limits: "a jacket with distinct waist definition"
  
• (bodybuilding): the degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body
  
  Middle French
• definition
  
  Latin

French
• definition