Dictionary > Definite

Definite

Definite
1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. Elements combine in definite proportions. (Whewell)
2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.
3. Determined; resolved.
4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article. Definite article, the essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare law of multiple proportions, under multiple.
Origin: L. Definitis, p. P. Of definire: cf. F. Defini. See define.

Last updated on November 17th, 2021

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