fin-

1. The act of determining or making something distinct, or clear: The geology professor provided the definitions of several terms referring to the same kind of rock formations.
2. The formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry: After reading the article in the newspaper, Carol looked up the definition of "palindrome" in the on-line dictionary.
3. A condition of being distinct, or clearly outlined: The negotiators were clear as to the definitions of overtime to include in the new union contract.
4. The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning: Karen was asked to provide a definition of the terms she was using in her speech at the City Hall.
5. In optics, the sharpness of the image formed by an optical system: Tom was very pleased with the high definition that was available in his new camera.
6. In radio and television, the accuracy of sound or picture reproduction: Lisa adjusted the definition of the picture in her new TV set.

The utilization of contents that originate in an unlimited variety of techniques: humorous, figurative, and linguistic; utilizing wit worthy words with the intention of amusing readers: Roland continually tried to create definitionaries which would amuse his readers with such presentations as, "an egotist is someone who is usually me-deep in conversation."

Another example of a definitionary entry is, "acupuncture is a jab well done."

1. Referring to that which is clearly and unquestionably accurate: Hank wrote a very definitive article about the shooting incident at the elementary school which made it possible for others to see how the students and teachers were reacting to such a horrible situation.
2. Relating to something that can't be argued about or changed, final, and settled: The judge made a very definitive ruling which none of the lawyers could challenge.

Something is definitive when it is authoritative and serves as a final solution to a problem.

Pertaining to that which is precisely clarified or explained: Lina worked diligently on her definitively accurate publication so she could be accepted as an expert in her field.

Translation: "Be faithful even to the end."

That which is conclusive or at an end; the termination of something: On Saturday, Kelsey wrote her final composition which was the last examination before receiving her degree from the university.

Descriptive of that which happens or comes at the end: Dr. Samuel's decision to resign from the surgery department at the hospital was his final act before he took early retirement.

The plans for the final trip this summer have been completed and will take place next weekend.

Steven asked, "Did you hear what the final score of the football game was last night?"

The last act or section of an event, often in the context of music: The famous tenor sang the finale of the opera magnificently.

A philosophical doctrine that subscribes to the belief that specific events are explained by their causes: There was an aura of finalism in the way the professor spoke when she talked about the cause and effect of the accident that took place with her fellow instructor this morining.

An individual who through competition has reached the last phase of a contest: The judge announced the finalist for the singing competition.

Something which is settled, ended, and can no longer be continued: There was a finality to the sound of the door being slammed as Loretta walked away from the argument with her unpleasant husband.

The act or fact of something being completed with no expectation of continuation: The finalization of the mortgage payments was a source of pride and pleasure for Monica.

To end or to complete an undertaking: Sabina is finalizing her plans for an extended leave of absence from her job so she can travel to Europe for two weeks.

Being or seeming to be the end of a long process or experience: Sara was finally at the finish line of the marathon.

1. The business or art of managing the monetary resources of an organization, a country, or an individual person: The former economics professor was appointed as manager of finances for his university.
2. The money necessary to do something; especially, to fund a project: The sports organization applied to the bank for finances to buy new equipment.
3. That branch of economics that studies the management of money and other assets: Mr. Carry specialized in bank finances during his term as an auditor.
4. Etymology: "an end," from Middle French finance, "ending, settlement of a debt"; from Medieval Latin [700 to 1500] finis, "a payment in settlement, a fine or a tax", from Latin finis, "end". The notion is of "ending" (by satisfying) something that is due.