— representable , adj. — representability , n.
/rep'ri zent"/ , v.t.
1. to serve to express, designate, stand for, or denote, as a word, symbol, or the like does; symbolize: In this painting the cat represents evil and the bird, good.
2. to express or designate by some term, character, symbol, or the like: to represent musical sounds by notes.
3. to stand or act in the place of, as a substitute, proxy, or agent does: He represents the company in Boston.
4. to speak and act for by delegated authority: to represent one's government in a foreign country.
5. to act for or in behalf of (a constituency, state, etc.) by deputed right in exercising a voice in legislation or government: He represents Chicago's third Congressional district.
6. to portray or depict; present the likeness of, as a picture does: The painting represents him as a man 22 years old.
7. to present or picture to the mind.
8. to present in words; set forth; describe; state.
9. to set forth or describe as having a particular character (usually fol. by as, to be, etc.): The article represented the dictator as a benevolent despot.
10. to set forth clearly or earnestly with a view to influencing opinion or action or making protest.
11. to present, produce, or perform, as on a stage.
12. to impersonate, as in acting.
13. to serve as an example or specimen of; exemplify: a genus represented by two species.
14. to be the equivalent of; correspond to: The llama of the New World represents the camel of the Old World.
v.i.
15. to protest; make representations against.
16. Slang. to use or display a secret handshake, sign, gesture, etc., for purposes of identification: The gang members always represent when they see one another.
[ 1325-75; ME representen representer repraesentare to bring about immediately, make present, equiv. to re- RE- + praesentare to PRESENT 2 ]
Syn. 1. exemplify. 6. delineate. 12. portray.