profile Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
noun an outline of something (especially a human face as seen from one side)
noun biographical sketch
noun degree of exposure to public notice
visibility.
- that candidate does not have sufficient visibility to win an election
noun a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers
verb write about
- The author of this article profiles a famous painter
verb represent in profile, by drawing or painting

It. profilo, fr. L. pro before + filum a thread, an outline, shape: cf. F. profil. See File arow, and cf. Purfle, Purl, a fringe.

An outline, or contour; as, the profile of an apple.
(Paint & Sculp.) A human head represented sidewise, or in a side view; the side face or half face.
(a) (Arch.) A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of moldings and the like. (b) (Civil Engin.) 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. <-- 4. a short biography. 5. [NW10] a set of data, often in graphical form, describing some significant features of something (e.g. a person, corporation); esp. a graph showing the results of tests ot some attribute of a person. 6. public notice, used esp. in the phrase "(keep/maintain) a low profile", i.e. avoid public notice, avoid publicity. -->

Cf. F. profiler, It. profilare. See Profile, n.

imperfect & past participle Profiled ; present participle & verbal noun Profiling