de|fine

de|fine
de|fine «dih FYN», transitive verb, -fined, -fin|ing.
1. to make clear the meaning of; explain: »

A dictionary defines words.

SYNONYM(S): interpret.
2. to make clear; make distinct: »

The shadow defined the shape of the building.

3. to fix; settle: »

The powers of the courts are defined by law. The laws define what are the rights to use and to enjoy and to dispose of property (Atlantic).

 SYNONYM(S): establish, specify.
4. to settle the limits of: »

The boundary between the United States and Canada is defined by treaty. The surveyor defined the boundaries of the property.

 SYNONYM(S): circumscribe.
5. to be a distinguishing feature of; characterize: »

Perseverance usually defines success.

╂[< Middle French définir < Latin dēfīnīre to limit < dē- completely + fīnīre to bound < fīnis a bound, limit]

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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  • fine — [ fin ] n. f. • XIXe; de 2. fin ♦ Eau de vie de raisin de qualité supérieure. ⇒ cognac. Fine champagne (la Champagne désignant une région autour de Cognac). Une bouteille de fine. Verre de fine. Garçon, une fine ! Une fine à l eau. ⊗ HOM. Fines,… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Fine art — is any art form developed primarily for aesthetics rather than utility. [ [http://www.answers.com/fine+art r=67 fine arts] www.answers.com] This type of art is often expressed in a limited number of visual and performing art forms, including… …   Wikipedia

  • Fine Gael — Partei­vorsitzender Enda Kenny …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • fine — (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite}.] 1.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine arch — fine fine (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine arts — fine fine (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine cut — fine fine (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine goods — fine fine (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine stuff — fine fine (f[imac]n), a. [Compar. {finer} (f[imac]n [ e]r); superl. {finest}.] [F. fin, LL. finus fine, pure, fr. L. finire to finish; cf. finitus, p. p., finished, completed (hence the sense accomplished, perfect.) See {Finish}, and cf. {Finite} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fine — may be: * An adjective meaning attractive, sexy, physically attractive, beautiful etc.Legal* Fine (penalty), financial punishment * Fine of lands, an obsolete type of land conveyance * Fine on alienation, money paid to the lord by a tenant when… …   Wikipedia

  • Fine Cotton — was an Australian thoroughbred horse which was at the centre of a substitution scam (also known as a ring in) which occurred on August 18, 1984 in the Commerce Novice (2nd division) Handicap over 1500 metres at Eagle Farm Racecourse, Brisbane,… …   Wikipedia

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