defineyoudaoicibaDictYouDict[define 词源字典]
define: see fine
[define etymology, define origin, 英语词源]
define (v.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict
late 14c., "to specify; to end," from Old French defenir, definir "to finish, conclude, come to an end; bring to an end; define, determine with precision," and directly from Latin definire "to limit, determine, explain," from de- "completely" (see de-) + finire "to bound, limit," from finis "boundary, end" (see finish (v.)). Related: Defined; defining.