/ ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C , U ] an explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase, especially in a dictionary; the act of stating the meanings of words and phrases :
clear simple definitions
Neighbours by definition live close by (= this is what being a neighbour means) .
2.
[ C ] what an idea, etc. means :
What's your definition of happiness?
3.
[ U ] the quality of being clear and easy to see :
The definition of the digital TV pictures is excellent.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin definitio(n-) , from the verb definire set bounds to, from de- (expressing completion) + finire finish