Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
Related Searches
on Ask.com
Nearby Entries
Definition of profiles - 2 dictionary results

pro⋅file

  [proh-fahyl] noun, verb, -filed, -fil⋅ing.
Use profiles in a Sentence
–noun
1. the outline or contour of the human face, esp. the face viewed from one side.
2. a picture or representation of the side view of a head.
3. an outlined view, as of a city or mountain.
4. an outline of an object, as a molding, formed on a vertical plane passed through the object at right angles to one of its principal horizontal dimensions.
5. a drawing or the like representing this.
6. Surveying. a vertical section of the ground surface taken parallel to a survey line. Compare cross section (def. 6).
7. a verbal, arithmetical, or graphic summary or analysis of the history, status, etc., of a process, activity, relationship, or set of characteristics: a biochemical profile of a patient's blood; a profile of national consumer spending.
8. an informal biography or a concisely presented sketch of the life and character of a person.
9. a set of characteristics or qualities that identify a type or category of person or thing: a profile of a typical allergy sufferer.
10. the look, configuration, or lines of something: cars with a modern profile.
11. degree of noticeability; visibility.
12. Psychology. a description of behavioral and personality traits of a person compared with accepted norms or standards.
13. Theater. a flat stage property or scenic piece cut from a firm, thin material, as of beaverboard or plywood, and having an irregular edge resembling the silhouette of a natural object.
14. (in a gear) the outline of either end of a tooth.
15. Naval Architecture. a longitudinal elevation or section of a vessel. Compare outboard profile.
–verb (used with object)
16. to draw a profile of.
17. to produce or present a history, description, or analysis of: The magazine will profile the candidate in its next issue.
Origin:
1650–60; (n.) < It prof(f)ilo, n. deriv. of profilare to delineate, outline, equiv. to pro- pro- 1 + -filare, deriv. of filo line, thread < L fīlum

Related forms:
pro⋅fil⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. silhouette.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To profiles
pro·file   (prō'fīl')   
n.  
    1. A side view of an object or structure, especially of the human head.
    2. A representation of an object or structure seen from the side. See Synonyms at form.
  2. An outline of an object. See Synonyms at outline.
  3. Degree of exposure to public notice; visibility: preferred to keep a low profile.
  4. A biographical essay presenting the subject's most noteworthy characteristics and achievements.
  5. A formal summary or analysis of data, often in the form of a graph or table, representing distinctive features or characteristics: a psychological profile of a job applicant; a biochemical profile of blood.
  6. Geology A vertical section of soil or rock showing the sequence of the various layers.
tr.v.   pro·filed, pro·fil·ing, pro·files
  1. To draw or shape a profile of.
  2. To produce a profile of.

[Italian profilo, from profilare, to draw in outline : pro-, forward (from Latin prō-; see pro-1) + filare, to draw a line (from Medieval Latin fīlāre, to spin, from Latin fīlum, thread; see gwhī- in Indo-European roots).]
pro'fil·er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see profiles on Thesaurus | Reference