We propose and consolidate a definition of the discrete fractional Fourier transform which generalizes the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) in the same sense that the continuous fractional Fourier transform (FRT) generalizes the continuous ordinary Fourier Transform. This definition is based on a particular set of eigenvectors of the DFF which constitutes the discrete counterpart of the set of Hermite-Gaussian functions. The fact that this definition satisfies all the desirable properties expected of the discrete FRT, supports our confidence that it will be accepted as the definitive definition of this transform.