[with obj.]describe or portray (something) precisely 详细描述 the law should delineate and prohibit behaviour which is socially abhorrent. 法律应该详细描述并禁止有害于社会的行为。 ■indicate the exact position of (a border or boundary) 准确标出(边界,界限)
mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'trace the outline of something'): from Latin delineat- 'outlined', from the verb delineare, from de- 'out, completely' + lineare (from linea 'line')