If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him. [VERB wh] He was asked to define his concept of cool. [VERB noun]
1. to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, etc.). 2. to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe. 3. to specify: to define responsibilities. 4. to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of. 5. to make clear the outline or form of. de•fin`a•bil′i•ty, n. de•fin′er, n.
A definition states the meaning of a word using other words. This is sometimes challenging. Common dictionaries contain lexical descriptive definitions, but there are various types of definition – all with different purposes and focuses. A definition is a semantic statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). [1][2] Definitions can be classified into two large ...
to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of: to define property with stakes. to make clear the outline or form of: The roof was boldly defined against the sky.
So when you're thinking about the word define, remember that you're looking to create a boundary of meaning around it, whether you're specifying the meaning of a word or a larger concept. To define a word such as astronomy is to define both the word and the realm of science that it's concerned with.