limn

[lim]

verb (used with object)

1. to represent in drawing or painting.

2. to portray in words; describe.

3. Obsolete.,  to illuminate (manuscripts).

limn

/ ˈlɪmnə, lɪm /

verb

1. to represent in drawing or painting

2. archaic,  to describe in words

3. an obsolete word for illuminate

Other Word Forms

• outlimn verb (used with object)
• unlimned adjective
• limner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limn¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English lymne, variant of Middle English luminen “to illuminate (manuscripts),” variant of enlumine, from Middle French enluminer, from Latin inlūmināre “to embellish,” literally, “light up”; illuminate

Word History and Origins

Origin of limn¹

C15: from Old French enluminer to illumine (a manuscript) from Latin inlūmināre to brighten, from lūmen light

Example Sentences

The latter film is one of Keaton’s lesser-known but still brilliantly limned stone-faced satires, in this case involving cowpokes and its star’s tender feelings for a milk cow.

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In cinematic detail, the author limns the visceral intensity of a world gone mad.

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Riccardo Frizza’s fluid conducting drew out the score’s long bel canto lines and limned its propulsive rhythmic structure, and his flexible support of the singers made every aria and ensemble breathe and soar.

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Who better to limn out disgust and desolation now?

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Who better to help us limn out these feelings of disgust, rage and desolation right now?

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Related Words

• delineate