Meaning of explicit definition in English:

explicit definition


Logic Philosophy
  • A definition which formally sets out the meaning of a concept or expression, as by specifying necessary and sufficient conditions for its applicability; a statement to the effect that the expression being defined has the same meaning as another expression which defines it; a definition which can be substituted for the defined expression in sentences in which that expression occurs.

    In technical contexts of mathematics, logic, etc., often contrasted with implicit definition.


Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Bibliotheca Sacra.