descriptor

[ dih-skrip-ter ]

/ dɪˈskrɪp tər /

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noun

a significant word or phrase used to categorize or describe text or other material, especially when indexing or in an information retrieval system.

Computers. a data item that stores the attributes of some other datum: a task descriptor.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of descriptor

First recorded in 1930–35, for an earlier sense; describe + -tor, with vowel change and devoicing by analogy with similar Latin derivatives

I suggest using descriptors like “30s” and “intermediate hiking” to simplify the process—and make sure the group you’re interested in has recent offerings on its event page, as some can be outdated or inactive.
How to Find Friends to Hike With|Svati Narula|August 4, 2021|Outside Online
Many people surely still think of “exotic” as an objective descriptor.
Stop calling food ‘exotic’|Daniela Galarza|July 8, 2021|Washington Post
The day may end up nearly 20 degrees above average, so “scorcher” could be an apt descriptor.
D.C.-area forecast: Summerlike heat persists then grows this weekend, despite occasional cloudiness|A. Camden Walker|May 21, 2021|Washington Post
Keyword stuffing or “adding descriptors” to your name on Google My Business is when someone adds words to their business name on GMB that aren’t part of that business’s actual legal name.
The real-world impact of keyword stuffing in Google My Business|Colan Nielsen|May 7, 2021|Search Engine Land

There are two directions in which this descriptor incompletely overlaps with the current immigration situation.
Kristi Noem’s posturing on ‘illegal’ immigration spotlights a common misrepresentation|Philip Bump|April 15, 2021|Washington Post
The de facto descriptor when it comes to the allure of Gina Gershon is “sultry.”
Gina Gershon on Being Donatella Versace, ‘Showgirls,’ and Bill Clinton Rumors|Marlow Stern|October 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
James McAvoy—as if you need any more descriptor other than just… James McAvoy.
‘The Host’: ‘Twilight’ Author Stephenie Meyer’s Favorite Film Romances|Stephenie Meyer|March 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST