online medical dictionary | definition of definite

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.

4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article. Definite article, 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.

Origin: L. Definitis, p. P. Of definire: cf. F. Defini. See Define.

(01 Mar 1998)