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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

definition

/ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
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What does definition mean?

noun

  1. A statement of the meaning of a word, word group, sign, or symbol; especially, a dictionary definition.
  2. A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.
  3. A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation.
More meanings (11)

noun

  1. The action or process of defining.
  2. The act of defining; determination of the limits.
  3. A product of defining.
  4. The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
  5. Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
  6. Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
  7. Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
  8. The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
  9. A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
  10. A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
  11. The part of a cryptic clue which defines but does not indicate the solution.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

The priest, who was staring at him with the grave stare of a baby, was haunted by some fancy that escaped definition.
G. K. (Gilbert Keith) ChestertonThe innocence of Father BrownProject Gutenberg ebook #204
He gives in the same place a very long and careful definition of what is understood by a contract in Federal jurisprudence.
Alexis de TocquevilleDemocracy in America — Volume 1Translated by Henry ReeveProject Gutenberg ebook #815
More book examples (3)
But it is easier to give this definition than it is to present specific geographical subject matter in its vital human bearings.
John DeweyDemocracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of EducationProject Gutenberg ebook #852
No definition implies or expresses a certain number of individuals, inasmuch as it expresses nothing beyond the nature of the thing defined.
Benedictus de SpinozaEthics — Part 1Translated by R. H. M. (Robert Harvey Monro) ElwesProject Gutenberg ebook #919
In our definition of War, we have chosen as its characteristic the latter of these elements, because it is the most general.
Carl von ClausewitzOn WarTranslated by J. J. (James John) GrahamProject Gutenberg ebook #1946