defined
Americanadjective
-
determined, fixed, or clearly marked out as to extent, outline, or form.
an itchy red rash with sharply defined edges.
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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.
While ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ defined his Hollywood career, Patrick Stewart’s classical training shaped acclaimed stage work, including ‘Hamlet,’ ‘Macbeth’ and collaborations with Ian McKellen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
From there, his career was largely defined by his 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he started in 1966, before joining the Royal National Theatre in 1984.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
Critically, unlike bribery as traditionally defined in the criminal law, the prohibition on emoluments is not conditional on any corrupt bargain by the public official.
From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2026
First, the price needs to fall below the trendline that has defined the rally off the early July low.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 27, 2026
Far below, the gray ocean defined the word “forever.”
From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby
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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.
