detail

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

   several of the details are similar

2. 2
   noun

   extended treatment of particulars

   the essay contained too much detail

3. 3
   noun

   a crew of workers selected for a particular task

   a detail was sent to remove the fallen trees

4. 4
   noun

   a small part that can be considered separately from the whole

   it was perfect in all details

5. 5
   verb

   assign to a specific task

   The ambulances were detailed to the fire station

6. 6
   noun

   A part small enough to escape casual notice.

   Note this fine detail in the lower left corner.

7. 7
   noun

   A profusion of details.

   This etching is full of fine detail.

8. 8
   noun

   The small parts that can escape casual notice.

   Attention to detail was said to be one of the secrets of Gerrard's success as a player.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French détail, from Old French detail, from detaillier, from de- + taillier (“to cut”). Compare typologically Bulgarian подробност (podrobnost), Czech podrobnost, Russian подро́бность (podróbnostʹ) (akin to дроби́ть (drobítʹ)).