definit

n. A thing defined or determined. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a definite manner; with precision; precisely; determinately. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being definite; determinateness; precision; certainty. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. definitio: cf. F. définition. ] 1. The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Description; sort. [ R. ] “A new creature of another definition.” Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.

Syn. -- Definition, Explanation, Description. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Relating to definition; of the nature of a definition; employed in defining. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Gram.) A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Definitives . . . are commonly called by grammarians articles. . . . They are of two kinds, either those properly and strictly so called, or else pronominal articles, such as this, that, any, other, some, all, no, none, etc. Harris (Hermes). [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. definitivus: cf. F. définitif. ] 1. Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express. [ 1913 Webster ]

A strict and definitive truth. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some definitive . . . scheme of reconciliation. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Determined; resolved. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a definitive manner. [ 1913 Webster ]