descriptor

noun

de·​scrip·​tor di-ˈskrip-tər 

: something (such as a word or characteristic feature) that serves to describe or identify

especially : a word or phrase (such as an index term) used to identify an item (such as a subject or document) in an information retrieval system

Examples of descriptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Only a minority of patients will fit those descriptors, Mendelsohn said, and doctors must also consider the specifics of each tumor. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 13 June 2026

The Swiss cheese descriptor is derived from the fenestrations or window-like perforations in its foliage. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

The name stands for capabilities descriptor of widespread destruction via mass attack (Havoc) and precision targeting from afar (Spear). —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026

One way to listen to your inner navigation system is to use warmer and cooler descriptors for certain decisions. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see describe

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing descriptor

• self-descriptor