An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. General: To settle or decide by choice of alternatives or possibilities.
   

2. Math.: To fix or define the position, form, or configuration of.
   

3. Logic: To explain or limit by adding differences.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. déterminer, from L. determinare “set limits to,” from → de- + terminare “to mark the end or boundary,” from terminus “boundary, border, end,” → term.

Etymology (PE): Âtarmidan, from âtarm + verb forming suffix -idan; âtarm from intensive prefix â- + tarm “limit, boundary,” → term.