defining

de·fine

D0094100 (dĭ-fīn′)v. de·fined, de·fin·ing, de·fines v.tr.1. a. To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).b. To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain: define the properties of a new drug; a study that defines people according to their median incomes.2. a. To make clear the outline or form of; delineate: gentle hills that were defined against the sky.b. To specify distinctly: define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.3. To give form or meaning to: "For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).v.intr. To make or write a definition.

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[Middle English definen, diffinen, from Old French definir, diffiner, from Latin dēfīnīre, to limit, determine : dē-, intensive pref.; see de- + fīnis, boundary, limit.]

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de·fin′a·bil′i·ty n.de·fin′a·ble adj.de·fin′a·bly adv.de·fine′ment n.de·fin′er n.

de•fin•ing

(dɪˈfaɪ nɪŋ)
adj. decisive; critically important: Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

defining - any process serving to define the shape of somethingshapingphysical process, process - a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states; "events now in process"; "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls"