Part 110

4. (Logic) An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.

5. (Opt.) Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.

Syn. -- Definition, Explanation, Description. A definition is designed to settle a thing in its compass and extent; an explanation is intended to remove some obscurity or misunderstanding, and is therefore more extended and minute; a description enters into striking particulars with a view to interest or impress by graphic effect. It is not therefore true, though often said, that description is only an extended definition. "Logicians distinguish definitions into essential and accidental. An essential definition states what are regarded as the constituent parts of the essence of that which is to be defined; and an accidental definition lays down what are regarded as circumstances belonging to it, viz., properties or accidents, such as causes, effects, etc." Whately.

Def`i*ni"tion*al (?), a. Relating to definition; of the nature of a definition; employed in defining.

De*fin"i*tive (?), a. [L. definitivus: cf. F. définitif.] 1. Determinate; positive; final; conclusive; unconditional; express.

A strict and definitive truth.

Sir T. Browne.

Some definitive . . . scheme of reconciliation.

Prescott.

2. Limiting; determining; as, a definitive word.

3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.] Shak.

De*fin"i*tive, n. (Gram.) A word used to define or limit the extent of the signification of a common noun, such as the definite article, and some pronouns.

Definitives . . . are commonly called by grammarians articles. . . . They are of two kinds, either those properly and strictly so called, or else pronominal articles, such as this, that, any, other, some, all, no, none, etc. Harris (Hermes).

De*fin"i*tive*ly, adv. In a definitive manner.

De*fin"i*tive*ness, n. The quality of being definitive.

De*fin"i*tude (?), n. Definiteness. [R.]

Definitude . . . is a knowledge of minute differences.

Sir W. Hamilton.

De*fix" (?), v. t. [L. defixus, p. p. of defigere to fix; de- + figere to fix.] To fix; to fasten; to establish. [Obs.] "To defix their princely seat . . . in that extreme province." Hakluyt.

Def`la*gra*bil"i*ty (?), n. (Chem.) The state or quality of being deflagrable.

The ready deflagrability . . . of saltpeter.

Boyle.

De*fla"gra*ble (?; 277), a. [See Deflagrate.] (Chem.) Burning with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; hence, slightly explosive; liable to snap and crackle when heated, as salt.

Def"la*grate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Deflagrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Deflagrating.] [L. deflagratus, p. p. of deflagrare to burn up; de- + flagrare to flame, burn.] (Chem.) To burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt.

Def"la*grate, v. t. (Chem.) To cause to burn with sudden and sparkling combustion, as by the action of intense heat; to burn or vaporize suddenly; as, to deflagrate refractory metals in the oxyhydrogen flame.

Def`la*gra"tion (?), n. [L. deflagratio: cf. F. déflagration.] 1. A burning up; conflagration. "Innumerable deluges and deflagrations." Bp. Pearson.

2. (Chem.) The act or process of deflagrating.

Def"la*gra`tor (?), n. (Chem.) A form of the voltaic battery having large plates, used for producing rapid and powerful combustion.