də̇ˌtərmə̇ˈnāshən, dēˌ-, -tə̄m-, -təim- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English determinacioun, from Medieval Latin determination-, determinatio, from Latin, boundary, end, from determinatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the settling and ending of a controversy especially by judicial decision : conclusion , decision
the contending parties came to a determination
2. : the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning ; specifically : a disputation in English universities formerly held by those just made bachelors of arts as a condition of proceeding toward the master's degree
3. archaic : a bringing or coming to an end : termination
4.
a. : the act of deciding definitely and firmly especially regarding a course of action ; also : the result of such an act of decision : fixed resolution : purpose
b. : the power or habit of deciding definitely and firmly : ability to persist against opposition or attempts to dissuade or discourage : resoluteness
men of great courage and determination
5. : a fixing of the position, magnitude, or character of something: as
a. : the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement (as of weight, volume, intensity)
a determination of the salt in sea water
a determination of the orbit of a planet
b. : an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
6. logic
a. : the act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents
b. : the addition of a differentia to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent
c. : a differentia added
7. : an unvarying and often conclusive tendency toward an end
a determination of capital toward investment in transport industries
8. : the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue : field formation