1. the word or phrase that defines another word in a dictionary definition
Usage: logic; linguistics

Examples

• In the definition ‘cat: a small domesticated carnivorous mammal’, the phrase ‘a small domesticated carnivorous mammal’ is the definiens.
• The definiens should be clearer and more familiar than the word being defined.
• Logicians distinguish between the definiendum and the definiens in formal definitions.
• A good definiens avoids circular reasoning by not using the term being defined.
• The definiens in that dictionary entry was too technical for elementary students.
• Philosophy students learn to identify the definiens in various types of definitions.