Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Definition has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
"The teacher asked us to find the dictionary definition for every new vocabulary word on the list."
A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
"When I looked up the strange term in my dictionary, the definition clarified exactly what it meant."
In plain English: A definition is a clear explanation of what something means.
"The dictionary definition of the word helped me understand its meaning."
Usage: Use "definition" to describe a clear explanation of what a word means or a precise description of a concept. Do not use it to refer to the act of defining something, which should be described as "defining."
The word entered English from Middle French and Latin, originally referring to the act of setting limits or boundaries. Over time, it came to mean a clear explanation of the meaning of a word or concept.