delineation

noun

de·lin·ea·tion | \-ˌli-nē-ˈā-shən

\

Definition of delineation

1 : the act of outlining or representing something with lines or words : the act of delineating the delineation of a scene … the delineation of the territories allotted to the seven tribes of Israel …— Adam Nicholson

2 : something made by delineating a photographic delineation of low life— T. S. Eliot

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Examples of delineation in a Sentence

his simple but striking delineations of Dutch landscapes a finely wrought delineation of a young woman's first experience with romantic love

Recent Examples on the Web

The negative reception of these uncharacteristic works led Magritte to abruptly return to his comfort zone of flat paint, careful delineation and narrative subject matter. — Charles Desmarais, San Francisco Chronicle, "Getting surreal: Magritte’s late work pops at SFMOMA," 18 May 2018 The delineation between user and dealer is inexact and often illusory. — Josie Duffy Rice, The Atlantic, "The Gospel According to Pusha T," 12 July 2018 Studies and surveys to gather information on wetland delineation, rare and endangered species, the construction footprint and historical significance will also be done, Johnson said. — Jennifer Conn, Akron Reporter, cleveland.com, "New study brings Gorge Dam one step closer to potential removal," 9 Mar. 2018 Bowlers were on the lanes that Tuesday morning when the terrorists attacked, providing a mark of delineation for the vulnerability of a nation and the frailty of life. — Stephen Ruiz, OrlandoSentinel.com, "With PWBA U.S. Women's Open in Orlando, reigning champ displays knack for knocking down pins," 28 June 2018 And, to keep with the fluidity of the room, there is no delineation or barrier between the master bedroom and its master bath. — Lisa Van Loo, azcentral, "Phoenix couple puts 'blood, sweat and tears' into historic 1925 Coronado renovation," 28 June 2018 There’s still more work to be done: The characters beyond Lucy and Lingg need more individual delineation, and more solo numbers, and the broader themes could use greater emphasis. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Tears and cheers at stirring true story of 'Haymarket'," 24 June 2018 The supporting dancers took care to fill out every measure and note of Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn (the music was recorded) and occasionally accented step changes with crisp delineation. — Laura Bleiberg, latimes.com, "Dance Theatre of Harlem comes full circle with stirring Broad Stage program," 22 Apr. 2018 The vivid delineation called to mind the colorful eye-level makeup that defined the Fall 2018 runways, the verdant hue furthering Gaga's black graphic cat eye—not to mention her forward-thinking vibe. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Lady Gaga's Next Level Makeup Trick Is So Good, You May Miss It," 29 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'delineation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of delineation was in 1570

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superjacent

lying above or upon

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