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