describe

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to give an account or representation of in words

   Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental

2. 2
   verb

   To represent in words.

   The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant.

3. 3
   verb

   To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.

   to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle

4. 4
   verb

   To give rise to a geometrical structure.

   The function describes a very complex surface.

5. 5
   verb

   To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.

   The fungus was first described by a botanist.

6. 6
   verb

   To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.

   Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.

7. 7
   verb

   identify as in botany or biology, for example

8. 8
   verb

   give a description of

Etymology

From Middle English descriven, from Old French descrivre, from Latin dēscrībō (“to copy off, transcribe, sketch off, describe in painting or writing”), from dē (“off”) + scrībō (“write”); see scribe and shrive. Displaced native Old English āmearcian.