- 1 [countable, uncountable] an explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase, especially in a dictionary; the act of stating the meanings of words and phrases clear simple definitions Neighbours by definition live close by (= this is what being a neighbour means). Language BankdefineDefining terms It is important to clarify what is meant by climate change. Climate change can/may be defined as ‘the long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind and other aspects of the earth’s climate’. A generally accepted definition of global warming is the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is defined by the author as the process by which heat from the sun is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere, causing the temperature of the earth to rise. The author uses the term climate change to refer to any significant change in measures of climate lasting for an extended period. The term ‘carbon footprint’ refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of an individual or organization. Scientists suggest that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will result in an increase in global temperatures, and the term ‘global warming’ is used to describe this phenomenon. Wordfinderdictionaryalphabetical, definition, dictionary, entry, example, headword, meaning, part of speech, pronunciation, register Wordfinderwordconnotation, definition, dictionary, homonym, meaning, pronunciation, spelling, synonym, vocabulary, word Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecareful, clear, concise, … verb + definitiongive (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, … definition + verbencompass something, include something prepositionaccording to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition, … See full entry
- 2 [countable] what an idea, etc. means What's your definition of happiness? There is no agreed definition of what a comprehensive school should be. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecareful, clear, concise, … verb + definitiongive (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, … definition + verbencompass something, include something prepositionaccording to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition, … See full entry
- 3[uncountable] the quality of being clear and easy to see The definition of the digital TV pictures is excellent. Word Originlate Middle English: from Latin definitio(n-), from the verb definire ‘set bounds to’, from de- (expressing completion) + finire ‘finish’Extra examples According to a strict definition of ‘assault’, she was not assaulted. According to a strict definition, the expenses of a self-employed person can be deducted from tax. He has expanded the definition of sculpture. She refused to accept the definition of woman as man’s subordinate. The author provides a clear definition of cultural awareness. The firm falls within the statutory definition of a ‘small company’. The mathematical definition of an even number is one that is exactly divisible by 2. The term ‘partner’ requires careful definition. They have adopted a very narrow definition of success. This unusual building barely fits the definition of a house. Under the broader definition of ‘poverty’, thousands more people would be included. We need a good working definition of ‘pollution’. Neighbours by definition live close by. The dictionary provides clear, simple definitions. There is no agreed definition of what is meant by a ‘young person’ in this context. What’s your definition of happiness?
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