defined

[dih-fahynd]

adjective

1. determined, fixed, or clearly marked out as to extent, outline, or form.

   an itchy red rash with sharply defined edges.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defined¹

First recorded in 1720–30; define ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

David Corenswet’s Clark Kent isn’t merely invulnerable; he’s also unyielding in his view that in an era defined by corporate cruelty, being nice is true punk rock.

From Salon

“It had long been thought that we were the only creatures on earth that used and made tools. ‘Man the Toolmaker’ is how we were defined ...”

From Los Angeles Times

And then as far as Haliey, we were just thinking about, “Who is someone else who was defined by a single viral moment and now lives in the shadow of that?”

From Los Angeles Times

Many other examples illustrate how these boundaries of “real American” identity are defined and policed.

From Salon

Tinnitus is defined as a ringing, pulsing or other noise in the ear or head that doesn't come from an external source, and is often always present.

From BBC

Related Words

• appropriate 
• certain 
• different 
• exceptional 
• exclusive 
• extraordinary 
• individual 
• limited 
• main 
• major 
• memorable 
• particular 
• peculiar 
• personal 
• primary 
• proper 
• rare 
• significant 
• specialized 
• specific