Main Entry:

limn

Pronunciation:

\ˈlim\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

limned; limn·ing \ˈli-miŋ, ˈlim-niŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English limnen to illuminate (a manuscript), probably back-formation from lymnour illuminator, alteration of lumenur, from Anglo-French aluminer, enluminer to illuminate, ultimately from Latin illuminare

Date:

1592

1 : to draw or paint on a surface 2 : to outline in clear sharp detail : delineate 3 : describe <the novel limns the frontier life of the settlers>

— limn·er \ˈli-mər, ˈlim-nər\ noun