define
de.fine \di-'fi-n\ \-'fi-n-m*nt\ \-'fi--n*r\ vb [ME definen, fr. MF & L; MF definer, fr. L definire, fr. d]e- + finire to limit, end, fr. finis boundary, end 1a: to fix or mark the limits of 1b: to make distinct in outline 2a: to determine the essential qualities or precise meaning of {~ the concept of loyalty} 2b: to discover and set forth the meaning of 3: CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH : to make a definition - de.fine.ment n