The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Describe \De*scribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Described; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Describing.] [L. describere, descriptum; de- +
   scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F.
   d['e]crire. See Scribe, and cf. Descry.]
   1. To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate;
      to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the
      compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as
      to describe a circle.
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   2. To represent by words written or spoken; to give an
      account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as,
      the geographer describes countries and cities.
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   3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off;
      to class. [Obs.]
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            Passed through the land, and described it by cities
            into seven parts in a book.           --Josh. xviii.
                                                  9.

   Syn: To set forth; represent; delineate; relate; recount;
        narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize.
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