■ noun
1》 an outline of something, especially a face, as seen from one side.
2》 a vertical cross section of something.
↘a flat outline piece of scenery on stage.
3》 a graphical or other representation of information recorded in quantified form.
4》 a short descriptive article about someone.
5》 the extent to which a person or organization attracts public notice.
■ verb
1》 describe in a short article.
2》 ( be ~d ) appear in outline.
3》 shape by means of a tool guided by a template.
Phrases
in ~ as seen from one side.
keep a low ~ remain inconspicuous.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
C17: from obs. Ital. profilo , from profilare , from pro- 'forth' + filare 'to spin', formerly 'draw a line' (from L. filare , from filum 'thread').