Definition of PROFILE

profile

Meanings

Plural: profiles

Noun

  • an analysis (often in graphical form) representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics
    • "a biochemical profile of blood"
    • "a psychological profile of serial killers"
  • an outline of something (especially a human face as seen from one side)
  • biographical sketch
  • degree of exposure to public notice
  • a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers
  • The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.
  • The shape, view, or shadow of a person's head from the side; a side view.
  • A summary or collection of information, especially about a person
  • A specific page or field in which users can provide various types of personal information in software or Internet systems.
  • Reputation, prominence; noticeability.
  • The amount by which something protrudes.
  • A smoothed (e.g., troweled or brushed) vertical surface of an excavation showing evidence of at least one feature or diagnostic specimen; the graphic recording of such as by sketching, photographing, etc.
  • Character; totality of related characteristics; signature; status (especially in scientific, technical, or military uses).
  • A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of mouldings etc.
  • A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing elevations, depressions, grades, etc.
  • An exemption from certain types of duties due to injury or disability.
  • A user's preferences.

Verb

  • write about
    • "The author of this article profiles a famous painter"
  • represent in profile, by drawing or painting
  • To create a summary or collection of information about (a person, etc.).
  • To act based on such a summary, especially one that is a stereotype; to engage in profiling.
  • To draw in profile or outline.
  • To give a definite form by chiselling, milling, etc.
  • To measure the performance of various parts of (a program) so as to locate bottlenecks.

Origin / Etymology

From French profil, from Italian profilo (“a border”), later also proffilo (“a side-face, profile”), from Latin pro (“before”) + filo (“a line, stroke, thread”), from filum (“a thread”); see file. Doublet of purfle.

Synonyms

contour, visibility

Scrabble Score: 12

profile is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
profile is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
profile is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

profile is a valid Words With Friends word