Definition of "description" in English

noun

1. A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.

   • give a verbal description of the events
   • a realistic description

2. The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.

3. A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.

   • The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.

4. (taxonomy) A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.

   • The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.

5. (linguistics) The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.

6. (linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.