descriptor
UK[dɪˈskrɪptə(r)]US[dɪˈskrɪptər]
n
a word, name, or phrase used to identify or describe something or someone.
n
a piece of stored data that indicates how other data is organized or identified.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
script
or
de
down, completely
script
write
or
agent noun suffix
Etymology
the word descriptor is a modern english formation built directly upon classical latin components. the prefix de- adds a sense of thoroughness, while the root script, from the latin verb scribere (to write), provides the core concept of inscribing or recording. the suffix -or, also from latin, typically denotes an agent, forming nouns meaning "one who does" the action. therefore, the literal construction is "that which writes down completely." this evolved logically into its contemporary computing and linguistic meanings, where a descriptor is an identifier or label that thoroughly 'writes down' or specifies the characteristics of an object, file, or concept, serving as the agent of description.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, completely) + script (write) + or (agent noun suffix)
de: a latin prefix meaning "down, away, off, completely." in this word, it functions as an intensifier.
script: from latin scribere, "to write." it is the core root conveying the act of writing or recording.
or: a latin-derived agent noun suffix indicating "a person or thing that does something."
Examples
the most accurate descriptor for the painting's style would be "impressionist."
in programming, a file descriptor is a unique identifier for an open file.
the teacher asked the students to find a single descriptor for each character in the story.