ˈdi:teɪl n. & v. --n. 1 a a
small or
subordinate particular; an
item. b
such a particular, considered (ironically) to be
unimportant (the
truth of
the statement is
just a detail). 2 a small items or particulars (esp. in an
artistic work) regarded collectively (has an
eye for detail). b the
treatment of
them (the detail
was insufficient and unconvincing). 3 (often in pl.) a
number of particulars; an
aggregate of small items (filled in the details on the form). 4 a a
minor decoration on a
building, in a
picture, etc. b a small
part of a picture etc.
shown alone. 5
Mil. a the
distribution of orders for the
day. b a small
detachment of soldiers etc. for
special duty. --v.tr. 1
give particulars of (detailed the plans). 2
relate circumstantially (detailed the anecdote). 3 Mil.
assign for special duty. 4 (as detailed adj.) a (of a picture, story, etc.) having
many details. b itemized (a detailed list). øgo
into detail give
all the items or particulars. in detail item by item, minutely. [F d÷tail, d÷tailler (as
DE-, tailler
cut, formed as TAIL(2))]
