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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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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.
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Definition being nothing but making another
understand by words what the term defined stands
for. --Locke.
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3. Description; sort. [R.] "A new creature of another
definition." --Jer. Taylor.
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4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which
make up the logical essence.
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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.
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