defined
Americanadjective
-
determined, fixed, or clearly marked out as to extent, outline, or form.
an itchy red rash with sharply defined edges.
-
Mathematics. having an assigned or determinable value under particular conditions.
Etymology
Origin of defined
First recorded in 1720–30; define ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even after extensive laboratory expansion, the GMPs maintained the molecular characteristics that defined them.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
The opening days of Zacharia’s tenure have been defined by questions over claims she has made about her background.
From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026
Duggan, who was brought up in south-west London, said the scheme "challenged conventional suburban housing layouts centred on roads, private gardens and clearly defined front and back spaces".
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
In a recent SoFi survey, “the ability to enjoy life” was the most common way Americans defined financial progress: 59% said it was a meaningful marker of progress, and 40% said investing was.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026
A gene was defined by what a gene does: it was a carrier of hereditary information.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
