I. ˈprō-ˌfī(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Italian profilo, from profilare to draw in outline, from pro- forward (from Latin) + filare to spin, from Late Latin — more at file
Date: 1645
1. : a representation of something in outline ; especially : a human head or face represented or seen in a side view
2. : an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : contour
3. : a side or sectional elevation: as
a. : a drawing showing a vertical section of the ground
b. : a vertical section of a soil from the ground surface to the underlying unweathered material
4. : a set of data often in graphic form portraying the significant features of something
a corporation's earnings profile
especially : a graph representing the extent to which an individual exhibits traits or abilities as determined by tests or ratings
5. : a concise biographical sketch
6. : degree or level of public exposure
trying to keep a low profile
a job with a high profile
Synonyms: see outline
II. transitive verb
( pro·filed ; pro·fil·ing )
Date: 1715
1. : to represent in profile or by a profile : produce (as by drawing, writing, or graphing) a profile of
2. : to shape the outline of by passing a cutter around
3. : to subject to profiling
• pro·fil·er noun