limn

American  

[lim] / lɪm /

verb (used with object)

1. to represent in drawing or painting.

2. to portray in words; describe.

3. Obsolete. to illuminate (manuscripts).

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limn British  

/ ˈlɪmnə, lɪm /

verb

1. to represent in drawing or painting

2. archaic to describe in words

3. an obsolete word for illuminate

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of limn

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

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Who better to limn out disgust and desolation now?

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delineate