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Full Idea
A definition is an account of a what-it-was-to-be-that-thing.
Gist of Idea
A definition is an account of a what-it-was-to-be-that-thing
Source
Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1031a12)
Book Ref
Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.184
A Reaction
This is cited by Kit Fine, as expounding his view that essence is definition. He gives this text as "definition is the formula of the essence". Is the account the 'logos', I wonder? I like this view.