Word
descriptor
Phoneticsde·scrip·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɪpˌtɝ/
UK/dɪskɹˈɪptɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a word or phrase that describes a specific quality or feature of something. In computing, it is often a piece of data that tells you how to handle a file or a process.
n. a word, phrase, or data structure that provides a description or classification of an entity. In technical contexts, it refers to a handle or identifier used by an operating system to manage resources like files or network sockets.
Examples
“The color red is a common descriptor for this car.”
“The software uses a unique file descriptor to ensure that the correct data is read from the correct location on the hard drive.”
“Linguists often use a set of phonetic descriptors to precisely capture the subtle acoustic differences between similar vowel sounds across various dialects.”
Examples
simple
“The color red is a common descriptor for this car.”
contextual
“The software uses a unique file descriptor to ensure that the correct data is read from the correct location on the hard drive.”
complex
“Linguists often use a set of phonetic descriptors to precisely capture the subtle acoustic differences between similar vowel sounds across various dialects.”
Real-World Examples
“The analysis identified surface roughness and film thickness as the leading descriptors in the model.” “The earthiness in coffee is a broad descriptor that encompasses several different taste nuances.” “His crisp descriptor, “1,000 songs in your pocket,” brilliantly met the challenge.” “References like these are essential for the DSA process to work effectively, and help panelists precisely rate specific sensory descriptors in coffee.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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