Looking for the meaning or definition of the word the? Here's what it means.
Article
Definite grammatical article that implies necessarily that an entity it articulates is presupposed; something already mentioned, or completely specified later in that same sentence, or assumed already completely specified. [from 10th c.]
Used before a noun modified by a restrictiverelative clause, indicating that the noun refers to a single referent defined by the relative clause.
Used before an object considered to be unique, or of which there is only one at a time. [from 10th c.]
Used before a superlative or an ordinal number modifying a noun, to indicate that the noun refers to a single item.
Added to a superlative or an ordinal number to make it into a substantive. [from 9th c.]
Introducing a singular term to be taken generically: preceding a name of something standing for a whole class. [from 9th c.]
Used before an adjective, indicating all things (especially persons) described by that adjective. [from 9th c.]
Used to indicate a certain example of (a noun) which is usually of most concern or most common or familiar. [from 12th c.]
Used before a body part (especially of someone previously mentioned), as an alternative to a possessive pronoun. [from 12th c.]
When stressed, indicates that it describes an object which is considered to be best or exclusively worthy of attention. [from 18th c.]
Adverb
With a comparative or more and a verb phrase, establishes a parallel with one or more other such comparatives.
With a comparative, and often with for it, indicates a result more like said comparative. This can be negated with none.
