Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Describe
De-scribe′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Described
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Describing
.] 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.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 cities3.
To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
[Obs.]
Syn. – To set forth; represent; delineate; relate; recount; narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize.
De-scribe′
,Verb.
I.
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description;
as, Milton
. describes
with uncommon force and beautyWebster 1828 Edition
Describe
DESCRIBE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To delineate or mark the form or figure; as, to describe a circle by the compasses.2.
To make or exhibit a figure by motion; as, a star describes a circle or an ellipsis in the heavens.3.
To show or represent to others in words; to communicate the resemblance of a thing, by naming its nature, form or properties. The poet describes the Trojan horse. The historian describes the battle of Pharsalia. The moralist describes the effects of corrupt manners. The geographer describes countries and cities.4.
To represent by signs. A deaf and dumb man may describe a distant object. Our passions may be described by external motions.5.
To draw a plan; to represent by lines and other marks on paper, or other material; as, to describe the surface of the earth by a map or chart.6.
To define laxly.