define in WordNet English dictionary

1. give a definition for the meaning of a word
   "Define `sadness'"
   define 
   
2. decide upon or fix definitely
   "fix the variables"; "specify the parameters"
   specify  set  determine  define  fix  limit 
   
3. determine the essential quality of
   specify  define  delineate  delimit  delimitate 
   
4. determine the nature of
   "What defines a good wine?"
   define 
   
5. show the form or outline of
   "The tree was clearly defined by the light"; "The camera could define the smallest object"
   define  delineate