WELL-DEFINED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does well-defined mean? 

• WELL-DEFINED (adjective)
  The adjective WELL-DEFINED has 2 senses:

1. having a clean and distinct outline as if precisely cut along the edges

2. accurately stated or described

  Familiarity information: WELL-DEFINED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• WELL-DEFINED (adjective)

Comparative: better-defined   
Superlative: best-defined   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a clean and distinct outline as if precisely cut along the edges

Synonyms:

chiseled; well-defined

Context example:

well-defined features

Similar:

distinct (easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Accurately stated or described

Synonyms:

clear; well-defined

Context example:

a set of well-defined values

Antonym:

ill-defined (poorly stated or described)

 Context examples 

The cells display hyperchromic nuclei and well-defined cytoplasmic borders.

(Gallbladder Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

It is usually surrounded by a well-defined capsule.

(Parathyroid Gland Adenoma, NCI Thesaurus)

A dendritic cell neoplasm that does not fall into well-defined categories or shows hybrid features.

(Dendritic Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified, NCI Thesaurus)

Rodents used in today's biomedical research must not only be free of disease that may influence experimental results, but also be well-defined in terms of their genetic makeup.

(Laboratory Animal Genetic Monitoring Resource, NCI Thesaurus)

The existence and clinical significance of a borderline category in the mucinous tumors is not as well-defined as for their serous counterpart.

(Borderline Mucinous Cystadenoma, NCI Thesaurus)

It is a large cell with well-defined cytoplasm, a large nucleus with prominent nuclear membrane, distinct nucleoli, and clumped chromatin.

(Immunoblast, NCI Thesaurus)

An inorganic, crystalline solid substance with a well-defined chemical composition and with characteristic physical properties that is found in nature and has the ability to increase human cancer risk.

(Carcinogenic Mineral, NCI Thesaurus)

Another large area with well-defined signatures is found across the northwest part of the crater rim and ejecta.

(Dawn Discovers Evidence for Organic Material on Ceres, NASA)

The tail is remarkably well-defined, straight and smooth, and has clear edges.

(Hubble Sees Plunging Galaxy Losing Its Gas, NASA)

A chronic, atrophic skin disease characterized by white, angular, flat, well-defined, indurated papules with an erythematous halo and follicular, black, keratotic plugs.

(Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)