D defs.my
Entry 5 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Definite

/dĕf'-ən-ət/ · Def·i·nite · IPA /ˈdɛfɪnɪt/
01 a. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite per…
  1. 1.
    Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval.
    “Elements combine in definite proportions.” Whewell.
  2. 2.
    Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.
  3. 3.
    Determined; resolved.[Obs.]
  4. 4.
    Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.
Phrases & compounds
Definite article — the article the, which is used to designate a particular person or thing, or a particular class of persons or things; -- also called a definitive. See Definitive, n.
Definite inflorescence — See Determinate inflorescence, under Determinate.
Law of definite proportions — the essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple.
02 n. A thing defined or determined.
  1. 1.
    A thing defined or determined.[Obs.]