: an expression that defines : definition

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēfīniens, from present participle of dēfīnīre "to mark the limits of, determine, define"

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of definiens was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Definiens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definiens. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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