definito

Definito is an Italian adjective meaning definite or defined, and it also functions as the past participle of the verb definire (to define). The term is used in everyday language and in specialized contexts to indicate precision, fixed reference, or something that has been specified. Its etymology lies in Latin definire, meaning to determine or set boundaries.

In Italian grammar, definiteness is typically expressed through the definite article rather than the word definito itself, but the term definito is used to describe the property of being definite. The definite articles in Italian are il, lo, l', la, i, gli, le, which mark reference to a specific item. The choice of form depends on gender, number, and phonological context. By contrast, the indefinite article un or una signals non-specific reference.

In mathematics, logic, and related fields, definito is used to describe objects whose values or identity are fixed. A common term is l’integrale definito, or the definite integral, which is evaluated between fixed upper and lower limits. In logic and philosophy, una descrizione definita refers to a definite description that uniquely identifies an object. In analysis and set theory, one may speak of a funzione definita or un valore definito, indicating a function or value with a well-defined meaning.

As a participle, definito can modify nouns to express a defined or specified quality, agreeing in gender and number (definita, definiti, definite). Examples include termine definito (defined term) and valore definito (defined value).