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describe

2 syllables
Quick answer

As a verb, describe means represent in words.

Meanings of describe

8 meanings

verb

  1. To represent in words.

    “The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant.”

    “The geographer describes countries and cities.”

  2. To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.

    “to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle”

  3. mathematicsTo give rise to a geometrical structure.

    “The function describes a very complex surface.”

  4. taxonomyTo introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.

    “The fungus was first described by a botanist.”

  5. To give an account or representation of in words

    “Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental”

    Similar: report, account
  6. Make a mark or lines on a surface

    “draw a line”

    “trace the outline of a figure in the sand”

    Similar: trace, draw, line, delineate
  7. Identify as in botany or biology, for example

    Similar: identify, key, key out, distinguish, name
Older and rare meanings (1)
  1. obsoleteTo distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

verb: give a description of
verb: to give an account or representation of in words
verb: make a mark or lines on a surface
verb: identify as in botany or biology, for example

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