I. di-ˈtāl, ˈdē-ˌtāl noun
Etymology: French détail, from Old French detail slice, piece, from detaillier to cut in pieces, from de- + taillier to cut — more at tailor
Date: 1603
1. : extended treatment of or attention to particular items
2. : a part of a whole: as
a. : a small and subordinate part : particular ; also : a reproduction of such a part of a work of art
b. : a part considered or requiring to be considered separately from the whole
c. : the small elements that collectively constitute a work of art
d. : the small elements of a photographic image corresponding to those of the subject
3.
a. : selection of a person or group for a particular task (as in military service)
b.
(1) : the person or group selected
(2) : the task to be performed
Synonyms: see item
•
- in detail
II. verb
Date: 1650
transitive verb
1. : to report minutely and distinctly : specify
detail ed their grievances
2. : to assign to a particular task
3. : to furnish with the smaller elements of design and finish
trimmings that detail slips and petticoats
intransitive verb
: to make detail drawings
• de·tail·er noun