delineation

Noun

Synonyms: word picture word-painting depiction picture characterization characterisation limning line drawing portrayal

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

a graphic or vivid verbal description“too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures”“the author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland”“the pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters”Synonyms: word picture word-painting depiction picture characterization characterisation
a drawing of the outlines of forms or objectsSynonyms: depiction limning line drawing
representation by drawing or painting etcSynonyms: depiction portrayal

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Delineation \De*lin`e*a"tion\, n. [L. delineatio: cf. F. d['e]lin['e]ation.]

1.The act of representing, portraying, or describing, as by lines, diagrams, sketches, etc.; drawing an outline; as, the delineation of a scene or face; in drawing and engraving, representation by means of lines, as distinguished from representation by means of tints and shades; accurate and minute representation, as distinguished from art that is careless of details, or subordinates them excessively. [1913 Webster]

2.A delineated picture; representation; sketch; description in words. [1913 Webster]

Their softest delineations of female beauty.— W. Irving.

Syn: Sketch; portrait; outline. See Sketch. [1913 Webster]