2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  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. 
 
  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)  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}. 
 
  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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  definition 
  n  1:  a  concise  explanation  of  the  meaning  of  a  word  or  phrase  or 
  symbol 
  2:  clarity  of  outline;  "exercise  had  give  his  muscles  superior 
  definition" 

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