DEFINE, verb transitive [Latin To end, to limit, from finis, end.] 1. To determine or describe the end or limit; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country. 2. To determine with precision; to ascertain; as, to define the limits of a kingdom. 3. To mark the limit; to circumscribe; to bound. 4. To determine or ascertain the extent of the meaning of a word; to ascertain the signification of a term; to explain what a word is understood to express; as, to define the words, virtue, courage, belief, or charity. 5. To describe; to ascertain or explain the distinctive properties or circumstances of a thing; as, to define a line or an angle. DEFINE, verb intransitive To determine; to decide.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI