profile

Meanings

Noun

• The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.
• The shape, view, or shadow of a person's head from the side; a side view.
• A summary or collection of information, especially about a person
• A specific page or field in which users can provide various types of personal information in software or Internet systems.
• Reputation, prominence; noticeability.
• The amount by which something protrudes.
• A smoothed (e.g., troweled or brushed) vertical surface of an excavation showing evidence of at least one feature or diagnostic specimen; the graphic recording of such as by sketching, photographing, etc.
• Character; totality of related characteristics; signature; status (especially in scientific, technical, or military uses).
• A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of mouldings etc.
• A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing elevations, depressions, grades, etc.
• An exemption from certain types of duties due to injury or disability.

Verb

• To create a summary or collection of information about (a person, etc.).
• To act based on such a summary, especially one that is a stereotype; to engage in profiling.
• To draw in profile or outline.
• To give a definite form by chiselling, milling, etc.
• To measure the performance of various parts of (a program) so as to locate bottlenecks.

Origin

• From French profil, from Italian profilo ("a border"), later also proffilo, from Latin pro ("before") + filo, from filum; see file. purfle.