Collins English-English Dictionary

detail ['diːteɪl]

1. 1. n an item or smaller part that is considered separately; particular

2. 2. n an item or circumstance that is insignificant or unimportant

   passengers' comfort was regarded as a detail

3. 3. n treatment of or attention to items or particulars

   this essay includes too much detail

4. 4. n items collectively; particulars

5. 5. n a small or accessory section or element in a painting, building, statue, etc, esp when considered in isolation

6. 6. n [military] the act of assigning personnel for a specific duty, esp a fatigue

7. 7. n the personnel selected

8. 8. n the duty or assignment

9. 9. vt. [tr] to list or relate fully

10. 10. vt. [military] to select (personnel) for a specific duty

11. 11. vt. to decorate or elaborate (carving, etc) with fine delicate drawing or designs

12. 12. vt. [Etymology] C17: from French détail, from Old French detailler to cut in pieces, from de- dis-¹ + tailler to cut; see tailor