description

[ dih-skrip-shuhn ]

noun

1. a statement, picture in words, or account that describes; descriptive representation.
2. the act or method of describing.
3. sort; kind; variety:

   dogs of every description.

   Synonyms: ilk, condition, character, nature, species

4. Geometry. the act or process of describing a figure.

description

/ dɪˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. a statement or account that describes; representation in words
2. the act, process, or technique of describing
3. sort, kind, or variety

   reptiles of every description

4. geometry the act of drawing a line or figure, such as an arc
5. philosophy a noun phrase containing a predicate that may replace a name as the subject of a sentence

Other Words From

• prede·scription noun
• rede·scription noun
• self-de·scription noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of description¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English descripcioun, from Latin dēscrīptiōn-, stem of dēscrīptiō, from dēscrīpt(us) “described” (past participle of dēscrībere “to copy, draw, transcribe”; describe ) + -iō -ion

Idioms and Phrases

see beggar description .

Example Sentences

By drawing on a fundamental description of cause and effect found in Einstein’s theory of special relativity, researchers from Imperial College London have come up with a way to help AIs make better guesses too.

From MIT Technology Review

However, as the workaround description implies, this separate tracking carries the risk of someone still being served the same ad even after the limit has been exceeded.

From Digiday

Nurses found that working safely isn’t only about PPE and sanitation, but also a much broader range of practices, from using technology in new ways to changing job descriptions.

From Fortune

Those restaurants’ profiles on Goldbelly are then linked to in the description box of the video and Thrillist makes a commission off of any transactions.

From Digiday

Later this year, developers will be required to include information in a so-called “nutrition label” about how their apps collect data on their app description page.

From Digiday

Perhaps lording over goblins is the right description after all.

From The Daily Beast

Baby cigarette “No worry of cancer with this cigarette costume,” the description for this gem reads.

From The Daily Beast

But one description was abhorrent on a level far above politics: “Aspergery.”

From The Daily Beast

And, in truth, many of the major political figures fit that description.

From The Daily Beast

Since he matched the rough description of the killer in the Genovese case, he was questioned about it.

From The Daily Beast

Each picture bore a label, giving a true description of the once-honoured gem.

From Project Gutenberg

The king was struck with horror at the description I had given him of those terrible engines, and the proposal I had made.

From Project Gutenberg

Also there is a description of Bampton, which once thrilled the readers of the Tiverton Gazette.

From Project Gutenberg

This habit of scribble may persist after a child attempts a linear description of the parts of an object.

From Project Gutenberg

In the yard, which was kept scrupulously neat, were flowers and plants of every description which flourishes in South Louisiana.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• characterization
• confession
• definition
• depiction
• detail
• explanation
• information
• narration
• narrative
• picture
• portrayal
• report
• sketch
• statement
• story
• summary
• tale
• version