A definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or phrase. The term to be defined is known as the definiendum (Latin: that which is to be defined). The words which define it are known as the definiens (Latin: that which is doing the defining). Stipulative definitions There are two types of definitions: A descriptive definition provides to a term a meaning which is in general use. A stipulative definition of a term carries a meaning which a speaker wants it to convey for the purpose of his… (More on Definition)