de ‧ fine S2 W2 AC /dɪˈfaɪn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ define ; noun : ↑ definition ; adverb : ↑ definitely ≠ ↑ indefinitely ; adjective : ↑ definite ≠ ↑ indefinite ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: definer , from Latin definire , from finire 'to limit, end' ]
1 . to describe something correctly and thoroughly, and to say what standards, limits, qualities etc it has that make it different from other things:
the ability to define clients’ needs
The duties of the post are difficult to define.
clearly/well defined
The tasks will be clearly defined by the tutor.
define something as something
70% of the workers can be defined as low-paid.
2 . to explain exactly the meaning of a particular word or idea ⇨ definition :
I’ll now try to define the term ‘popular culture’.
define something as something
A budget is defined as ‘a plan of action expressed in money terms’.
Define precisely what you mean by ‘crime’.
3 . to show the edge or shape of something clearly ⇨ definition :
The bird has sharply defined black and rust markings.
—definable adjective