descriptor
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A word or phrase used to describe or identify something, especially in information systems, linguistics, or classification.
1. In computing, a data structure that stores information about a resource, variable, or object. 2. In chemistry/physics, a quantity or symbol representing a property. 3. In linguistics, a word or phrase that classifies or characterizes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term; its general use meaning 'a descriptive word' is less common and may be considered jargonistic in everyday contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning differences. Slightly more frequent in American computing contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, high in technical fields in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Descriptor] of [noun]Use [noun] as a [descriptor]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in IT departments discussing system resources.
Academic
Common in computer science, chemistry, and linguistics papers.
Everyday
Very rare; 'description' or 'label' are preferred.
Technical
Core term in programming (e.g., file descriptor), data science, and cheminformatics.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The librarian used 'historical fiction' as a descriptor for that section of books.
- In the database, each product has a unique descriptor code.
- The programme failed due to an invalid file descriptor.
- Molecular descriptors are crucial for quantifying chemical properties in computational drug design.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A DEtective's deSCRIPTOR notebook - it holds the key information to identify something.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DESCRIPTOR IS A KEY (it unlocks access to or identifies the essence of something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'описатель'. In tech contexts, it's often 'дескриптор'. For general use, 'описательный термин' or 'классификатор' may fit.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'descriptor' in casual conversation where 'word' or 'description' suffices.
- Confusing with 'describer' (a person who describes).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'descriptor' LEAST likely to be used professionally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialist term most common in computing, linguistics, and science.
Not precisely. An adjective is a part of speech; a descriptor is a broader functional term for any word/phrase that describes or identifies, which could be a noun, adjective, or phrase.
It is a unique identifier (handle) used by a program to access a file or other input/output resource.
A 'description' is a spoken or written account. A 'descriptor' is the specific label, tag, or identifier within a description or system.