delineate the form or outline of; " The tree was clearly defined by the light"; " The camera could define the smallest object"

determine the essential quality of

represented accurately or precisely

describe in vivid detail

make a mark or lines on a surface; " draw a line"; " trace the outline of a figure in the sand"

trace the shape of

Delineated; portrayed.

To indicate by lines drawn in the form or figure of; to represent by sketch, design, or diagram; to sketch out; to portray; to picture; in drawing and engraving, to represent in lines, as with the pen, pencil, or graver; hence, to represent with accuracy and minuteness. See Delineation.

To portray to the mind or understanding by words; to set forth; to describe.

To mark out with lines; sketch; draw; describe minutely and accurately in words.

To mark out with lines: to represent by a sketch or picture: to portray: to describe accurately in words.

To sketch; portray.

To draw in outline; portray; depict; describe.

To mark or sketch out with lines; to sketch; to depict; to describe.

To mark out with lines; to sketch or design; to draw a likeness of in words; to describe in words, as character.

Thus with a faithful aim have we presumed, Adventurous, to delineate Nature's form; Whether in vast, majestic pomp array'd, 440 Or dress'd for pleasing wonder, or serene In Beauty's rosy smile. – Poetical Works of Akenside by Mark Akenside

Then again begin pleasure and morning in their pomp of radiance; and almost I could persuade myself to delineate the course of this day also, though it differs from its predecessor hardly by so much as the leaf of a rose- bud. – The Campaner Thal and Other Writings by Jean Paul Friedrich Richter

And it must be remembered that I have undertaken to- day to delineate the general characteristics of Mysticism, not of Christian Mysticism. – Christian Mysticism by William Ralph Inge

It would be impossible for me to delineate the occurrences incident to my hunting days. – The Bark Covered House or, Back in the Woods Again by William Nowlin

In a novel enthusiastic imagination may lure the story- teller into a host of by- paths not foreseen by him when he set out on his journey; and while he is adventuring himself in these by- paths, he may chance to encounter characters of a diverting or an appealing personality, whom it may amuse him to delineate, and whom the readers of his book will be glad to welcome. – A Book About the Theater by Brander Matthews

The pen is powerless when we attempt to describe an event like this, for we cannot penetrate into the secret recesses of the heart, nor can we delineate the agonies of conscience which too often increase the anguish of such scenes, when the near approach of death unveils to men, truths they have been unwilling to learn or to believe. – Narratives of Shipwrecks of the Royal Navy; between 1793 and 1849 by William O. S. Gilly

But the Sutta Pitaka is an attempt to delineate a personality as well as to record a doctrine. – Hinduism and Buddhism, Vol I. (of 3) An Historical Sketch by Charles Eliot

It would require an angel's pen dipped in ethereal fire and an angel's hand to guide it to fully delineate the noble frame work and perfect finish of this great and good man. – Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson

Some day somebody will delineate the spiritual history of America since the Civil War- the compound of tradition, discontent, aspiration, idealism, materialism, selfishness, and hope that mark the floundering progress of these United States through the last half century. – The United States Since The Civil War by Charles Ramsdell Lingley

Orthography is vitiated among such as learn first to speak, and then to write, by imperfect notions of the relation between letters and vocal utterance; but to those students every character is of equal importance; for letters are to them not symbols of names, but of things; when they write they do not represent a sound, but delineate a form. – A Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland by Samuel Johnson

When description is intended solely to give accurate information- as to delineate the appearance, not the technical construction, of the latest Zeppelin airship- it is called " scientific description," and is akin to exposition. – The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnagey (AKA Dale Carnegie) and J. Berg Esenwein

In the future, some writer may delineate that hideous dream- to do so to- day, in this year 1868, would tear the stoutest heart. – Mohun, or, The Last Days of Lee by John Esten Cooke

One of the most important parts of a novelist's equipment he certainly possesses; namely, an insight into character, and an ability to delineate it. – Brief History of English and American Literature by Henry A. Beers

It was intended to delineate our National Bird- the American Eagle- however, something had happened to her measurements at the time, or the noble bird had developed a pronounced goiter meantime. – Epistles-from-Pap-Letters-from-the-man-known-as-The-Will-Rogers-of-Indiana by Durham, Andrew Everett

Buildings, rocks, trees, served simply to indicate, not to delineate, the scene. – Gryll Grange by Thomas Love Peacock Commentator: George Saintsbury

C. was possessed of remarkable narrative and descriptive powers, and could occasionally delineate character. – A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin

You see This spirit I'd delineate working here: To sacrifice and by the sacrifice Rise to a bigger spirit, make it truer; Then bring that truer spirit to her love For Barrett Bays, and not just loll and slop In love to- day. – Domesday Book by Edgar Lee Masters

It is true that there are men without arms and legs and noses, but to delineate such a creature with exquisite accuracy is not to produce a faithful rendering of life. – Personality in Literature by Rolfe Arnold Scott-James

Considered merely as an artistic subject, it is surely eminently beautiful: it places before us the two most graceful forms which the hand of man was ever called on to delineate;- the winged spirit fresh from paradise; the woman not less pure, and even more highly blessed- the chosen vessel of redemption, and the personification of all female loveliness, all female excellence, all wisdom, and all purity. – Legends of the Madonna by Mrs. Jameson

Professor Barnard, with the Lick thirty- six inch telescope, discerned an astonishing wealth of detail on the surface of Mars, so intricate, minute, and abundant, that it baffled all attempts to delineate it; and these peculiarities were seen upon the supposed seas as well as on the land- surfaces. – Is Mars Habitable? by Alfred Russel Wallace