An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. General: To tell or represent in written or spoken words; give an account of.
   

2. Geometry: To draw or trace the outline of.

Etymology (EN): M.E. describen, from L. describere, from → de-

• scribere “to write,” from PIE *skreibh- (cf. Gk. skariphasthai “to scratch an outline, sketch;” Lett. skripat “scratch, write;” O.N. hrifa “scratch”); PIE base *sker- “cut, incise.”

Etymology (PE): Vâveštan, vâvisidan (on the model of neveštan, nevisidan “to write”), from vâ-, → de-, + vešt-, vis-, → inscribe.