profile

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   biographical sketch

   I wrote a quick profile of the painter for the newspaper.

2. 2
   noun

   an analysis, often in graphical form, representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics

   The doctor showed me a biochemical profile of my blood.

3. 3
   noun

   a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers

   I pointed out the mantle on the profile.

4. 4
   noun

   an outline of something, especially a human face as seen from one side

   I had profiles of all my family members in a collage.

5. 5
   noun

   degree of exposure to public notice

   I kept a low profile after the scandal.

6. 6
   verb

   to represent in profile, by drawing or painting

   I profiled a series of strangers for my art project.

7. 7
   verb

   to write about

   The author of this article profiles a famous painter.

8. 8
   noun

   The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.

   His fingers traced the profile of the handle.

Etymology

From French profil, from Italian profilo (“a border”), later also proffilo (“a side-face, profile”), from Latin pro (“before”) + filo (“a line, stroke, thread”), from filum (“a thread”); see file. Doublet of purfle.