2. Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a
description of a thing by its properties; an explanation
of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of
``circle;'' the definition of ``wit;'' an exact
definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another
understand by words what the term defined stands
for. --Locke.
3. Description; sort. [R.] ``A new creature of another
definition.'' --Jer. Taylor.
4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which
make up the logical essence.
5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by
an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Syn: {Definition}, {Explanation}, {Description}.
Usage: A definition is designed to settle a thing in its
compass and extent; an explanation is intended to
remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is
therefore more extended and minute; a description
enters into striking particulars with a view to
interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not
therefore true, though often said, that description is
only an extended definition. ``Logicians distinguish
definitions into essential and accidental. An
essential definition states what are regarded as the
constituent parts of the essence of that which is to
be defined; and an accidental definition lays down
what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it,
viz., properties or accidents, such as causes,
effects, etc.'' --Whately.