| define | 1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." 2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country. 3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument. "Rings . . . Very distinct and well defined." (Sir I. Newton) 4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term. "They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature." (Robynson (More's Utopia)) Origin: OE. Definer, usually, to end, to finish, F. Definir to define, L. Definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| defined medium | <cell culture> Cell culture medium in which all components are known. In practice this means that the serum (that is normally added to culture medium for animal cells) is replaced by insulin, transferrin and possibly specific growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor. (18 Nov 1997) |