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delineate

[dih-lin-ee-eyt]
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verb (used with object), de·lin·e·at·ed, de·lin·e·at·ing.
  1. to trace the outline of; sketch or trace in outline; represent pictorially: He delineated the state of Texas on the map with a red pencil.
  2. to portray in words; describe or outline with precision: In her speech she delineated the city plan with great care.
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Origin of delineate

1550–60; < Latin dēlīneātus, equivalent to dē- de- + līneātus lineate
Related formsde·lin·e·a·ble [dih-lin-ee-uh-buh l] /dɪˈlɪn i ə bəl/, adjectivepre·de·lin·e·ate, verb (used with object), pre·de·lin·e·at·ed, pre·de·lin·e·at·ing.un·de·lin·e·a·ble, adjectiveun·de·lin·e·at·ed, adjectivewell-de·lin·e·at·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for well-delineated

delineate

verb (tr)
  1. to trace the shape or outline of; sketch
  2. to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict
  3. to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe
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Derived Formsdelineable, adjectivedelineation, noundelineative, adjective

Word Origin

C16: from Latin dēlīneāre to sketch out, from līnea line 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for well-delineated

delineate

v.

1550s, from Latin delineatus, past participle of delineare "to sketch out," from de- "completely" (see de-) + lineare "draw lines," from linea "line" (see line (n.)). Related: Delineated; delineating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper