Explains the exact meaning of something or gives a precise description. Determines or establishes the boundaries or characteristics of something.
From Old French definer, from Latin definire (to limit, determine), from de- (completely) + finire (to bound, finish). Originally about setting boundaries or limits.
Every definition is essentially an act of drawing boundaries around meaning - when we define something, we're literally 'finishing' or completing its conceptual borders. Dictionaries are maps of meaning with carefully drawn territorial lines.
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