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Descriptor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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descriptor

[dɪˈskrɪptər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

adjective

A word or phrase that describes or characterizes a person or thing, such as 'beautiful,' 'intelligent,' or 'brave.' Descriptors provide additional information to help distinguish one object from another.

Synonyms

adjective, modifier, qualifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
descriptor

Used primarily in technical or formal contexts to describe labels or properties, often related to computing or data.

  • The file descriptor is not valid.
  • The descriptor for the product was missing a crucial feature.
adjective

Used in general grammar to describe words that modify nouns, expressing attributes or properties.

  • 'Happy' is an adjective used to describe feelings.
  • In the sentence 'The big dog', 'big' is the adjective.
qualifier

Commonly used in both grammar and general contexts to describe words or phrases that limit or enhance the meaning of another word. Often used to add precision or detail.

  • In the sentence 'She is somewhat tired', 'somewhat' is a qualifier.
  • Qualifiers help in making statements more accurate.
modifier

Often used in grammar and writing to describe words that change or limit the meaning of another word, and can refer to both adjectives and adverbs.

  • In the phrase 'very quickly', 'very' is a modifier.
  • Modifiers can add more detail to sentences.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his use of vivid descriptors in his writing.
  • The painting was full of colorful descriptors that brought it to life.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

In computing, a descriptor is a data structure that references a resource such as a file, memory location, or network connection. It provides a way to access and manipulate the resource.

Synonyms

handle, pointer, reference.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
descriptor

Use when referring to a piece of information that describes data or an object, often in technical or computing contexts.

  • The file descriptor helps the operating system manage open files.
  • In database management, a descriptor holds metadata about data elements.
reference

Typically used in programming languages like Java and Python to represent a variable that refers to another variable or object without using its address directly.

  • In Java, you pass an object reference to the method.
  • The reference points to the original object in memory, not a copy.
pointer

Commonly used in programming, particularly in languages like C or C++, to describe a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.

  • A null pointer points to no object or function.
  • The program uses a pointer to access the array elements quickly.
handle

Appropriate for discussions about programming or computer interfaces, indicating an identifier or a way to interact with an object.

  • Pass the file handle to the function to read its content.
  • The window's handle allows the program to manipulate it directly.

Examples of usage

  • The file descriptor points to the location of the file on the disk.
  • The network descriptor contains information about the connection.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Descriptors help clarify meaning in communication, making complex ideas easier to understand.
  • In grammar, descriptors can be adjectives or phrases that add detail to nouns, enhancing the richness of language.
  • They play a vital role in branding and marketing, where precise descriptors can influence customer perception.

Education

  • Descriptors are essential in teaching writing skills, as they guide students to give vivid details in their work.
  • In science and research, descriptors can help categorize and communicate findings more effectively.
  • Educators often encourage students to use rich descriptors to improve their storytelling and expression.

Technology

  • In programming, descriptors can refer to attributes that describe an object or data element's properties.
  • Web development utilizes meta-descriptors to help search engines understand the content and improve indexing.
  • In databases, descriptors help define the structure of data, ensuring accurate storage and retrieval.

Art and Literature

  • Writers often rely on powerful descriptors to evoke imagery and emotion for readers.
  • In art, descriptors can refer to the elements that describe aspects like color, style, and technique.
  • Critics frequently use descriptors to analyze and differentiate between different artistic movements and styles.

Origin of 'descriptor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'descriptor' comes from the Latin 'descriptus', meaning 'to describe'.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century as part of technical jargon.
  • Related words include 'describe', 'description', and 'descriptive', highlighting its connection to showing or explaining.

The word 'descriptor' originated from the Latin word 'describere,' which means 'to write down.' It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to description and data referencing, reflecting the advancements in language and technology.

See also: describable, describe, describing, description, descriptive.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,624, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.