- Described
- Describe De*scribe", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Described}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Describing}.] [L. describere, descriptum; de- +
scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F.
d['e]crire. See {Scribe}, and cf. {Descry}.]
1. To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate;
to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the
compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as
to describe a circle.
[1913 Webster]
2. To represent by words written or spoken; to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as, the geographer describes countries and cities. [1913 Webster]
3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book. --Josh. xviii. 9.
Syn: To set forth; represent; delineate; relate; recount; narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.