delineate

[dih-lin-ee-eyt]

verb (used with object), de·lin·e·at·ed, de·lin·e·at·ing.

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.

to portray in words; describe or outline with precision: In her speech she delineated the city plan with great care.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for well-delineated

Contemporary Examples of well-delineated

He characterizes it as a “well-delineated sac,” stretching from 8.1 to 33 millimeters.
Don’t Believe the G-Spot Hype!
Debby Herbenick PhD
April 25, 2012

British Dictionary definitions for well-delineated

delineate

verb (tr)

to trace the shape or outline of; sketch

to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict

to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe

Derived Formsdelineable, adjectivedelineation, noundelineative, adjective

Word Origin for delineate

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

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.