— definitively , adv. — definitiveness , n.
/di fin"i tiv/ , adj.
1. most reliable or complete, as of a text, author, criticism, study, or the like: the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson.
2. serving to define, fix, or specify definitely: to clarify with a definitive statement.
3. having its fixed and final form; providing a solution or final answer; satisfying all criteria: the definitive treatment for an infection; a definitive answer to a dilemma.
4. Biol. fully developed or formed; complete.
n.
5. a defining or limiting word, as an article, a demonstrative, or the like.
6. Philately. a stamp that is a regular issue and is usually on sale for an extended period of time. Cf. commemorative (def. 2).
[ 1350-1400; ME definitivus, equiv. to definit ( us ) (see DEFINITE) + -ivus -IVE ]
Syn. 3. complete, absolute, ultimate, supreme.