2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark
the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or
country.
3. To determine with precision; to mark out with
distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the
defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined. --Sir I.
Newton.
4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the
meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound
or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a
scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to
nature. --Robynson
(More's
Utopia).