delineation

[ dih-lin-ee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of delineating.
2. a chart or diagram; sketch; rough draft.
3. a description.

Other Words From

• de·lin·e·a·tive [dih-, lin, -ee-ey-tiv, -ee-, uh, -tiv], adjective
• nonde·line·ation noun
• nonde·line·ative adjective
• prede·line·ation noun
• unde·line·ative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delineation¹

1560–70; < Late Latin dēlīneātiōn- (stem of dēlīneātiō ) a sketch, equivalent to Latin dēlīneāt ( us ) ( delineate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

It becomes harder still when she attempts to patch up the empathy chasm with a delineation between male and female bosses.

From Salon

The Flinders University-based research group calls on the IWC to use the findings to refine the stock delineations of blue whales for conservation and management purposes.

From Science Daily

While it may seem like splitting hairs to re-classify two populations of snakes that look identical to one another, Fry emphasizes how important such delineations can be for understanding the threats posed to these creatures.

From National Geographic

It’s not like a Rand McNally map with turquoise and pink and delineations between countries; it’s this strange rock with a river running across it.

From Salon

I also see this game as the official delineation of what had been increasingly clear for years — that Oregon has unequivocally usurped the Cougars as the preeminent rival of the Huskies.

From Seattle Times