delineation

[dih-lin-ee-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of delineating.

2. a chart or diagram; sketch; rough draft.

3. a description.

Other Word Forms

• delineative adjective
• nondelineation noun
• nondelineative adjective
• predelineation noun
• undelineative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delineation¹

1560–70; < Late Latin dēlīneātiōn- (stem of dēlīneātiō ) a sketch, equivalent to Latin dēlīneāt ( us ) ( delineate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

They tend to lead in harmony when there is a clear delineation of responsibilities.

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"Today, precise state-led strikes, backed by central paramilitary forces, have changed the game. While paramilitary held the ground, state forces gathered intelligence and launched targeted operations. It was clear role delineation and coordination," he said.

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It becomes harder still when she attempts to patch up the empathy chasm with a delineation between male and female bosses.

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The Flinders University-based research group calls on the IWC to use the findings to refine the stock delineations of blue whales for conservation and management purposes.

Read more on Science Daily

While it may seem like splitting hairs to re-classify two populations of snakes that look identical to one another, Fry emphasizes how important such delineations can be for understanding the threats posed to these creatures.

Read more on National Geographic