defined
Americanadjective
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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.
The legislation aims to incentivise research and investment into the treatment of rare types of cancer, defined as those affecting fewer than 1 in every 2,000 people.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 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
“We have learned that service quality is often defined by how well we execute the fundamentals.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
September was 1.63C hotter than the pre-industrial average, a period defined as 1850-1900.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
It was also defined as someone who had a lot of money or at least the trappings of money: a big car, an expensive watch, or expensive clothes.
From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers
Definitions 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.
