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definitions

indefinite

[ in-def-uh-nit ]
/ ɪnˈdɛf ə nɪt /
||
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adjective

not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited: an indefinite number.
not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact: an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.
Grammar.
  1. indefinite article.
  2. indefinite pronoun.
Botany.
  1. very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
  2. (of an inflorescence) indeterminate.

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RELATED WORDS

undetermined, infinite, unlimited, undefined, broad, confused, doubtful, dubious, equivocal, evasive, general, ill-defined, indeterminate, indistinct, inexact, inexhaustible, innumerable, intangible, loose, obscure

Nearby words

  1. indefeasible,
  2. indefectible,
  3. indefensible,
  4. indefinability,
  5. indefinable,
  6. indefinite article,
  7. indefinite integral,
  8. indefinite number,
  9. indefinite pronoun,
  10. indefinite relative clause

Origin of indefinite

From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in-3, definite
Related formsin·def·i·nite·ly, adverbin·def·i·nite·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for indefinite

British Dictionary definitions for indefinite

indefinite

/ (ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt) /

adjective

not certain or determined; unsettled
without exact limits; indeterminatean indefinite number
vague, evasive, or unclear
Also: indeterminate botany
  1. too numerous to countindefinite stamens
  2. capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a floweran indefinite inflorescence
Derived Formsindefiniteness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for indefinite

indefinite

adj.

early 15c. (implied in indefinitely), from Latin indefinitus, from in- "not, opposite of, without" (see in- (1)) + definitus, past participle of definire (see define).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper