def‧i‧ni‧tion S2 W2 AC / defənɪʃ ə n, defɪnɪʃ ə n / 名词

1 [可数名词] a 短语 or sentence that says exactly what a word, 短语 , or idea means → define :

a dictionary definition

definition of

There are many definitions of the word ‘feminism’.

definition of something as something

the definition of God as infinite

2 by definition if something has a particular quality by definition, it must have that quality because all things of that type have it :

People say that students are by definition idealistic and impatient.

3 [不可数名词] the clear edges, shapes, or sound that something has :

technologies such as high definition television

good muscle definition

COLLOCATIONS

ADJECTIVES/NOUN + definition

clear/precise The head teacher gave us a precise definition of the school’s aims.

broad (= including a lot of general ideas ) This is a very broad definition of what poetry is.

narrow (= including only a few ideas ) Some psychiatrists still use a very narrow definition of mental illness.

the dictionary definition Some doctors don’t accept the dictionary definition of euthanasia, and want to create different categories of assisted death.

the legal definition of something What is the legal definition of manslaughter?

动词

give a definition Can you give me a definition of ‘psychology’?

extend/broaden/widen a definition (= make it include more ideas ) The new law has broadened the definition of terrorism.