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definition

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən// UK //dˌɛfɪnˈɪʃən// def·i·ni·tion General-service

n. an explanation of what a word or phrase means. You find these in dictionaries to help you understand new language.

n. a statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary. In technical contexts, it refers to the formal specification of a variable, function, or mathematical concept.


SIMPLE

The dictionary provides a clear definition for every word.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher asked the students to write a short definition for each new vocabulary term in their notebooks.

COMPLEX

In computer programming, a function definition specifies the exact set of instructions the computer must execute whenever that specific name is called within the code.

Origin

From Middle English diffinicioun, from Middle French definition, from Latin dēfīnītiō, from dēfīniō. Equivalent to define + -ition.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'of' when specifying the term being explained.

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