The phrase "meant by" is used to ask for the definition or explanation of something. It is often used in questions such as "What is meant by this term?" or "What is meant by this statement?". The word "meant" itself can have different meanings depending on the context. It can mean to have in mind as ones purpose or intention, to intend for a particular destiny, to intend to express or indicate, to denote or connote, or to produce or cause. It can also be used as the past tense and past participle of the verb "mean".