Merriam-Webster
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以define为例（下面是查询结果）：
define
One entry found for define.
Main Entry: de·fine
Pronunciation: di-'fIn
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): de·fined; de·fin·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin definire, from de- + finire to limit, end, from finis boundary, end
transitive verb
1 a : to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of <whatever defines us as human> b : to discover and set forth the meaning of (as a word) c : to create on a computer <define a window> <define a procedure>
2 a : to fix or mark the limits of : DEMARCATE <rigidly defined property lines> b : to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline <the issues aren't too well defined>
3 : CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH <you define yourself by the choices you make -- Denison University Bulletin>
intransitive verb : to make a definition
- de·fine·ment /-'fIn-m&nt/ noun
- de·fin·er /-'fI-n&r/ noun
其中：
[Etymology: Middle English, from Latin definire, from de- + finire to limit, end, from finis boundary, end]
就是语源了！