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ilt when two parts of a measuring apparatus come into contact with each other; -- used in precise determinations of lengths and in the accurate graduation of instruments.

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.

Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression.

In a definite manner; with precision; precisely; determinately.

The state of being definite; determinateness; precision; certainty.

Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.

subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise. Abp. Thomson.

Nice discrimination; hence, clearness; precision; as, he stated his arguments with great distinctness.

Something precisely equal or counterpart to another; a counterpart. Hence, a wraith. My charming friend . . . has, I am almost sure, a double, who preaches his afternoon sermons for him. Atlantic Monthly.

Exhibiting a sharp, frigid preciseness of execution, or the want of a delicate contour in form, and of easy transition in coloring. Dry area (Arch.), a small open space reserved outside the foundation of a building to guard it from damp. -- Dry blow. (a) (Med.) A blow which inflicts no wound, and causes no effusion of…

used for operating valves in steam engines, and for other purposes. The motion derived is precisely that of a crank having the same throw. Back eccentric, the eccentric that reverses or backs the valve gear and the engine. -- Fore eccentric, the eccentric that imparts a forward motion to the valve gear and the engine.…

n opinion or judgment of the worth, extent, or quantity of anything, formed without using precise data; valuation; as, estimations of distance, magnitude, amount, or moral qualities. If he be poorer that thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest, and the priest shall value him. Lev…

In an equal or precisely similar manner; equally; precisely; just; likewise; as well. "Is it even so" Shak. Even so did these Gauls possess the coast. Spenser.

Precisely agreeing with a standard, a fact, or the truth; perfectly conforming; neither exceeding nor falling short in any respect; true; correct; precise; as, the clock keeps exact time; he paid the exact debt; an exact copy of a letter; exact accounts. I took a great pains to make out the exact truth. Jowett (Thucyd.…

In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely. "Exactly wrought." Shak. His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required. Bancroft.

The condition of being exact; accuracy; nicety; precision; regularity; as, exactness of jurgement or deportment.

Precise in trifles; idly busy. [Colloq.] Smart.

The condition or quality of being formal, strictly ceremonious, precise, etc.

In a formal manner; essentially; characteristically; expressly; regularly; ceremoniously; precisely. That which formally makes this [charity] a Christian grace, is the spring from which it flows. Smalridge. You and your followers do stand formally divided against the authorized guides of the church and rest of the peop…

Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.