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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Describe \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['e]crire. 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.
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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.
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3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off;
to class. [Obs.]
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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.
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Describe \De*scribe"\, v. i.
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as,
Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
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