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 world experienced its warmest October on record, with average global surface air temperatures 1.75C above pre-industrial times, an era defined as 1850-1900, Copernicus added.
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026
The first six months of the 120th Congress must be defined not merely by a change in political power, but by a demonstrable commitment to ethical reform, transparency, and accountability.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026
The company said it has decided to split in two, reversing one of the signature deals that defined an era of health industry consolidation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
In 1995, Pulido launched his own independent singing career during the golden age of Tejano music, defined by acts such as Patsy Torres, Little Joe y La Familia and Selena Quintanilla.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
It can only be defined by the anecdote, the chance encounter or the sentence overheard.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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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.