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definition

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definition
definition S2 W2 AC /ˌdefəˈnɪʃən, ˌdefɪˈnɪʃən/ noun
 Word Family: verb: define; noun: definition; adverb: definitelyindefinitely; adjective: definiteindefinite
1. [countable] a phrase or sentence that says exactly what a word, phrase, or idea means ⇨ define:
    a dictionary definition
    definition of
    There are many definitions of the word ‘feminism’.
    definition of something as something
    the definition of God as infinite
2. by definition if something has a particular quality by definition, it must have that quality because all things of that type have it:
    People say that students are by definition idealistic and impatient.
3. [uncountable] the clear edges, shapes, or sound that something has:
    technologies such as high definition television
    good muscle definition
     
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + definition
    clear/precise The head teacher gave us a precise definition of the school’s aims.
    broad (=including a lot of general ideas) This is a very broad definition of what poetry is.
    narrow (=including only a few ideas) Some psychiatrists still use a very narrow definition of mental illness.
    the dictionary definition Some doctors don’t accept the dictionary definition of euthanasia, and want to create different categories of assisted death.
    the legal definition of something What is the legal definition of manslaughter?
■ verbs
    give a definition Can you give me a definition of 'psychology'?
    extend/broaden/widen a definition (=make it include more ideas) The new law has broadened the definition of terrorism.