definers

Definer is a noun that denotes one who defines something or establishes the meaning, scope, or criteria of a term, concept, or object. In general usage it refers to a person or mechanism that provides definitions, classifications, or standards in a given context. The term is common in scholarly writing, dictionaries, and specifications where precision about meaning is important.

In computing, definer has a specific technical sense within relational databases such as MySQL and MariaDB. The DEFINER clause records the user account under which certain objects—such as views, stored procedures, and triggers—are created and executed. The definer’s privileges can determine whether operations are permitted when the object runs, even if the caller lacks those privileges. This security context can affect access control, error handling, and maintenance. If the definer account is removed or its privileges change, the owned objects may fail or require reconfiguration, so database administrators manage definers carefully to balance security with availability.