describe

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Described p. pr. & vb. n. Describing. ] [ L. describere, descriptum; de- + scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F. décrire. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. describens, p. pr. of describere. ] (Geom.) Same as Generatrix. [ 1913 Webster ]