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'ecrire. 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.

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.

3.

To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.

[Obs.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


De*scribe", v. i.

To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.

 

© Webster 1913.

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