n. [ L. determinatio boundary, end: cf. F. détermination. ] 1. The act of determining, or the state of being determined. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Bringing to an end; termination; limit. [ 1913 Webster ] A speedy determination of that war. Ludlow. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion. [ 1913 Webster ] Remissness can by no means consist with a constant determination of the will . . . to the greatest apparent good. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness. [ 1913 Webster ] He only is a well-made man who has a good determination. Emerson. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution. [ 1913 Webster ] So bloodthirsty a determination to obtain convictions. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. (Med.) A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part; as, a determination of blood to the head. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. (Physical Sciences) The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.; as, the determination of the ohm or of the wave length of light; the determination of the salt in sea water, or the oxygen in the air. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. (Logic) (a) The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents. (b) The addition of a differentia to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent; -- the opposite of generalization. [ 1913 Webster ] 10. (Nat. Hist.) The act of determining the relations of an object, as regards genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification; as, I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells. Syn. -- Decision; conclusion; judgment; purpose; resolution; resolve; firmness. See Decision. [ 1913 Webster ] |