DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Def·i·nite a.
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. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.
3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.]
4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.
Definite article Gram., 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. Bot. See Determinate inflorescence, under Determinate.
Law of definite proportions Chem., 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.
De·ter·mi·nate a.
1. Having defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite.
Quantity of words and a determinate number of feet. --Dryden.
2. Conclusive; decisive; positive.
The determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. --Acts ii. 23.
3. Determined or resolved upon. [Obs.]
My determinate voyage. --Shak.
4. Of determined purpose; resolute. [Obs.]
More determinate to do than skillful how to do. --Sir P. Sidney.
Determinate inflorescence Bot., that in which the flowering commences with the terminal bud of a stem, which puts a limit to its growth; -- also called centrifugal inflorescence.
Determinate problem Math., a problem which admits of a limited number of solutions.
Determinate quantities, Determinate equations Math., those that are finite in the number of values or solutions, that is, in which the conditions of the problem or equation determine the number.