delimitation

[ dih-lim-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act, instance, or method of fixing the limits or boundaries of something:

   In biology, the fixing of taxonomic boundaries is called species delimitation.

2. the resulting boundary:

   At the southern edge, the delimitation of this lowland arctic region corresponds roughly to the treeline.

Word History and Origins

Origin of delimitation¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; delimit ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

In the delimitation of the pathological from the healthy, I have endeavoured to lay down broad general lines.

From Project Gutenberg

All the country now known as Ghor was mapped during the progress of the Russo-Afghan boundary delimitation.

From Project Gutenberg

Early in October the whole delimitation was concluded, and without a hitch, much to Gordon's satisfaction.

From Project Gutenberg

One geographical expression, in the delimitation of the country, demands a brief explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

These two organ-systems vary in harmony, and their characters must form the basis for the delimitation of the great groups.

From Project Gutenberg

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