definite 
definite (defi-nit ), a. and n. 
[= < >*' drfinit, V- 
< L. ae- 
di'thii = Sp. definido = i'K- It. definite, < L. ae- 
li'iiiliix. limited, definite, pp. <>f dijinirt', limit, 
define: see</r/m'.J I. a. 1. Haying fixed limits; 
bounded with precision; determinate: as, <fc/i- 
i(c dimensions; ili'jiiiii'' measure. 
Ill tilt l!H>ll-, till' highest heaven i.- certainly a definite 
place where God's presence is specially manifested, al- 
thouu'h ill the same time it jiervades tin- wluih- universe. 
Daifsan, Nature ami the Bible, p. 69. 
2. Expressly or precisely prescribed, fixed, or 
established. 
It was ton much the hahitof English. politicians to take 
it for granted that there was in India a known and definite 
constitution by which questions of this kind were to be 
decided. maeoutttg. Warren Hastings. 
Before any definite agency for social control is developed, 
there exists a control arising partly from the public opinion 
of the living, and more largely from the public opinion of 
the dead. '/. Spencer, I'rin. of Mociol., 467. 
3. Having clear limits in signification ; deter- 
minate ; certain ; precise : as, a definite word, 
term, or expression. 4. Fixed ; determinate ; 
exact. 
Some certain and definite time. Ayli/e, Parergon. 
A jar of water, if you shake it, has a perfectly definite 
time in which it oscillates, and that is very easily mea- 
sured. H'. K. Clifford, Lectures, I. 201. 
6. In gram., defining ; limiting : applied to the 
article the and its correspondents in other lan- 
guages. 6. Inbot. : (a) Of a constant number, 
not exceeding twenty : as, stamens definite, (b) 
Limited in development: as, a definite inflores- 
cence. See centrifugal inflorescence, under een- 
1504 
on the overthrow of Aristotelianism and attaining its ex- 
treme development in the formal logic of Kant and bis 
followers, made the definition a mere list of essential 
marks all standing upon one footing and aggregated to- 
gether without anv distinction between genus and ililtci 
enee This, being an extremely nominalistie view, an- 
swers very well for the definitions of sonic artificial classes 
In mathematics, etc. (3) Modern logicians, recognizing 
that the elements of a definition are neither, in general, 
merely joined together without order nor always com- 
bined on one fixed model, conceive the deflnition to be an 
explanation of the construction of the concept to be de- 
fined out of others better known. According to the two 
first views alike, some concepts are indefinable Iwcause so 
abstract that no wider ones embracing them can be found ; 
according to the third, no concept can be too abstract to 
admit of definition, the only Indefinable ideas being such 
as the sensation of redness, the sense of fear, and the like, 
which direct experience alone can impart. An example 
of definitions conforming to the third conception is : "An 
uncle is the son of a parent of a parent " a definition in 
which the notions of son and parent neither stand in the 
relation of genus and difference nor are merely aggregated 
together. Such also is the definition "Substance is the 
permanent element in the phenomenon." 
Though definitions will serve to explain the names of 
substances as they stand for our ideas, yet they leave them 
not without great imperfection as they stand for things. 
Locke, Human Understanding, III. xi. 24. 
deflect 
Definitively thus I answer you. 
Shak., Rich. III., iii. 7. 
The strong and decided policy to which Republicans 
thrun<'hout the country bad ile/inilirelii committed them 
5 ,.]ves. The American, I\. :;!::. 
2. Finally; conclusively: as, the points be- 
tween the parties are definitively settled. 
j>- man, no synod, no session of men, though call d the 
church, can judge definitively the sense of Scripture to 
another man's conscience. Mttttm, Civil Power. 
;nse of Scriptni 
Milton, Civil ro 
3f. So as to have or exist in a definitive loca- 
tion (which see, under definitive). 
definitiveness (cle-fin'i-tiv-nes), . Determi- 
nateness; decisiveness; conclusiveness. 
At length I would be avenged ; this was a point defini- 
tively settled but the very definitive ness with which it 
was resolved precluded the idea of risk. 
foe, Tales, 1. 346. 
1MB- 
of things to which the definition applies. Acciden- 
tal definition, a description. Adequate deflnition or 
mark, a definition which applies to every individual of 
the class defined, and to no other. Analytical defini- 
tion, a definition expressing an analysis of a notion al- 
ready formed, and embodied in a word or phrase already 
in use. Causal definition. See causal. Circle in 
definition. See circle. Conceptual definition, the 
analysis of a concept ; the exact setting forth of the contents 
of auction. Descriptive definition, a deflnition which 
designates the thing defined by means of inessential attri- 
butes. Essential definition, a strict definition stating 
definitude (de-fin'i-tud), . [< L. as if * 
tndo, < definitus, definite: see definite.'] 
niteness; exactitude; precision. 
Though thus destitute of the light and definitude of 
mathematical representations, philosophy is allowed no 
adequate language of its own. Sir IT. BamMm. 
definition (def-i-m'tum), n. ; pi. definita (-til). 
[ML.] A thing defined. See definite, n. 
defixt (de-fiks'), '(' * [< L. defirax, pp. of de- 
figere, fasten down, fix, < de, down, + figcre, 
fasten : see fix.'] To fix ; fasten. 
The country person is generally sad (sober] because he 
knows nothing but the cross of Christ, his mind being de- 
fixed on and witli those nails wherewith his Master was. 
G. Herbert, Country Parson, xxvii. 
deflagrability (defla-gra-bil'i-ti), . [< defla- 
grable: see -bility.] In chem., combustibility ; 
e']inniieiiix. Deovjw KKVNL auuawwiwwiw. uuuei i 
ic. Definite term, ill logic, a term which defines or marks 
out a particular class of beings, or a single person, as distin- 
guished from an indefinite term, which does not define or 
mark out an object. ='Syn. Definite, Definitioc, clear. The 
first two are sometimes confounded, especially in the adver- 
bial form, and they often cover essentially the same idea. 
He spoke definitely tti*t is, with his meaning sharply 
defined ; he answered definitioe.li/ that is, so as to define 
or decide with certainty. Definite is passive, definitive ac- 
tive. 
II. [ML. definition, neat, of L. definitus, 
definite.] A thing defined. Ayliffe. [Bare or 
obsolete.] 
definitely (def 'i-nit-li), ado. In a definite man- 
ner. 
definiteness (def'i-uit-nes), u. The quality of 
being definite or defined in extent or significa- 
tion ; exactness ; determinateness. 
The right word is always a power, and communicates its 
definite/less to our action. 
George Eliot, Middlemarch, I. 330. 
definition (def-i-nish'on), n. [= OF. definition, 
definition, F. definition = Sp. definicion = Pg. 
definiqao = It. definizione = D. dcfinitie = G. 
Dan. Sw. definition, < L. dcfinitio(n-), a defini- 
tion (tr. Gr. o/wffjuof, < bpi(,etv, define, limit: see 
horizon), < definire, define: see define.] 1. The 
determination of the limits or outlines of a 
thing ; a marking out ; the state of being clearly 
marked out or outlined; specifically, in optics, 
the defining power of a lens that is, its ability 
to give a clear, distinct image of an object in 
all its important details. This depends upon 
the freedom of the lens from spherical and chro- 
matic aberration. 
The day was clear, and every mound and peak traced its 
outline with perfect definition against the sky. 
0. W. Holmes, Old Vol. of Life, p. 265. 
Of course, every one who is in the habit of using a tele- 
scope in the daytime is familiar with the fact, that on many 
seemingly cloudless days there is an otherwise invisible 
kind of haze, which impairs or destroys definition, and that 
the best or brightest vision is obtained in the blue sky visi- 
ble between large, floating annnli. Science, IV. 94. 
2. The act of stating the signification of a word 
or phrase, or the essential properties of a thing. 
Definition is so closely connected with classification 
that, until the nature of the latter process is in some 
measure understood, the former cannot be discussed to 
much purpose. J. S. Mill, Logic, I. viii. 1. 
Enthusiastically attached to the name of liberty, these 
historians troubled themselves little about its definition. 
Macaulay, History. 
3. A statement of the signification of a word or 
phrase, or of what is essential to the conception 
of any given thing; an explanation of how any 
given kind is distinguished from all other kinds. 
Three conceptions of the nature of definition have pre- 
vailed at different times : (1) Aristotle taught that every 
strict definition consists of two parts, different in kind, 
one declaring the genus or higher class to which the spe- 
cies defined belongs, the other declaring the specific dif- 
ference by which the given species differs from others of 
the same genus. This view influences most of the defini- 
tions of systematic botany and zoology. (2) The theory of 
logical extension and comprehension, coming into vogue 
such definitional differentiation : we must first recognize 
our objects before we can compare thern^ 
Real definition, the statement of the design or idea of a \Ve have been forced to spend much more time than the 
real kind. Thus, any artificial object, as a sewing-ma- opinion of the ready defiagralittiti/ (if I may so speak) of 
chine, is defined by stating the purpose and the nature of saltpetre did beforehand permit us to imagine, 
the contrivance by which the purpose is intended to be at- Boyle, Works, I. 362. 
tallied. The real deflnition of a natural species supposes . fln __ Kl ivlof'15 . do fln'wrn Ml n f(ti 
the species to owe its being to some intelligible idea which deflagrable (def la- or de-fla gra-ol), . [<. L. 
the definition attempts to state. Synthetical deflni- as if *deflagrabtlis, < deflagrare, burn: see dej- 
tion, a definition expressing the mode of constructing a i aa rate.] Combustible ; having the quality of 
p'oTeHrfo'"! stnTe^opSed foAn'olS wort ' " taking fire and burning up, as alcohol, oils, etc. 
definitional (def-i-nish'on-al), a. [< definition Our chymical oils, supposing that they were exactly 
+ -ill.] 1. Of or pertaining to definition; used pure, yet they would be ... but the more iiinani- 
' d finine mable and defiayrable. Boyle, Works, I. 5J8. 
Two distinct presentations are necessary to the com- deflagrate (def'la-grat), V. ] pret. and pp. def- 
parison that is here implied ; but we cannot begin with Jar/rated, ppr. deflagrating. [< L. difiiiijriitux, 
'- ->---' ....;<,.; "...=t flrat ,-.v,<mi. ^ ot jffagfaf^ bum, consume, < dc- + fla- 
grare, burn : see flagrant.] I. trans. To set 
fire to; burn; consume: as, to deflagrate oil or 
2. Abounding in definitions. 
definitive (de-fin'i-tiv), a. and n. [= F. defini- 
tif Sp. Pg. It. definitivo = D. definitief= G. 
Dan. Sw. definitiv, < L. definiticm, definitive, 
explanatory, LL. definite, < definitun, pp. of dc- 
finire, define: see define.] I. a. 1. Limiting 
the extent ; determinate ; positive ; express : 
as, a definitive term. 
Other authors often write dubiously, even in matters 
wherein is expected a strict and definitive truth. 
Sic T. Browne, Vulg. Err. 
secondary condenser is always used for spcctroscopic 
experiments, as the spark has great deflagrating power. 
J. K. 11. Gordon. Elect, and Mag., II. 63. 
II. intrants. To burn; burst into flame; spe- 
cifically, to burn rapidly, with a sudden evolu- 
tion of flame and vapor, as a mixture of char- 
coal and niter thrown into a red-hot crucible. 
Deflagrating mixtures, combustible mixtures, gener- 
ally made with niter, the oxygen of which is the active 
ingredient in promoting their combustion. 
of the 
No other way to solve the eternity or antiquity 
world, than by supposing innumerable deluges and ilefla- 
gratiuns. lip. Pearson, Expos, of Creed, i. 
2. Ending ; determining ; final ; conclusive : fiagrare, burn up : see deflagrate.'] A kindling 
opposed to conditional, provisional, or interloeu- O r setting on fire ; burning; combustion. 
tory. 
My lord, you know it is in vain ; 
For the Queens sentence is definitiuc, 
And we must see 't performed. 
lleyicood, If you Know not Me, i. 
With the four volumes first mentioned the Goethe So- 
ciety in Weimar begins the publication of the definitive 
edition of Goethe's works. 
Amer. Jour. Philnl., VIII. 484. 
They [treaties] may be principal or accessory, prelimi- 
nary or definitive. 
Specifically (a) Oxidation by the rapid combustion of 
a substance, attended with an extremely sudden evolu- 
tion of flame and vapor. It is accomplished by mixing 
the substance with potassium chlorate or nitrate (niter), 
and projecting the mixture in small portions at a time 
into a red-hot crucible, (b) The rapid combustion of met- 
als by the electric spark. 
deflagrator (def^a-gra-tor), u. [= F. deflagra- 
Wmlsey, Introd. to Inter. Law, 102. Unr _ Sp ae fl a gfadoi; < ML. diflftf/rator, < L. 
Specifically (a) In biol., completely formed; fixed and deflagrare, burn up: see deflagrate.] An in- 
ftnished: opposed to immitivenr formative: as, tlicde/mi- s t rume nt for producing combustion, particu- 
tme aorta; a definitive, anus. Huxley, (b) In toifle, applied . , .,,. * metallic qnhstHni-es bv 
to a judgment which is accompanied by a full assent of laity the combustion ot meta 
means of the electric spark Hare's deflagrator, 
a voltaic cell in which the vnpper and zinc plates arc 
large and are wound closely together in a spiral form, and 
hence offer large surface and proportionally small internal 
resistance. It can, therefore, produce powerful heating 
effects in a short external circuit. 
,, rll ni,i,,e and circumscriptive- the distinction whereby deflect (de-flekt;), r. [= F. ,lff,-hir < 
ftectere, bend aside, < de, away, +Juetere, Dena: 
see flex, flexible.] I. trans. To cause to turn 
aside ; turn or bend from a right line or a regu- 
lar course. 
The Gulf Stream ... is deflected eastward by a current 
the mind. 
To these two methods Galen addeth the third method, 
that is, method divisive or definitive. Blundeville. 
3. In metaph., having position without occupy- 
ing space. 
theologers, that deny God to lie in any place, save them- 
selves from being accused of saying that he is nowhere. 
llobbet. 
Definitive location, in metaph., position without exten- 
sion in space. Definitive Whole, the compound of a ge- 
neric character and a specific difference ; a metaphysical 
whole. =Syn. See definite. 
II. n. In gram., a defining or limiting word, 
as an article, a demonstrative, or the like. 
definitively (<le-fin'i-tiv-li), adv. 1. Determi- 
nately; positively; expressly. 
setting in from Baffin's Bay. 
nnni'tf. Diet, of Lit., Science, and Art. 
Since the Glacial Epoch there have been no changes in 
the physical geography of the earth sufficient iodtfltet the 
Pole half-a-dozen miles, far less half-a dozen ilcgn i s. 
J. Croll, Climate and Cosmology, p. S. 
