profile

Meaning

Noun

1. The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.
2. The shape, view, or shadow of a person's head from the side; a side view.
3. A summary or collection of information, especially about a person
4. A specific page or field in which users can provide various types of personal information in software or Internet systems.
5. Reputation, prominence; noticeability.
6. The amount by which something protrudes.
7. 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.
8. Character; totality of related characteristics; signature; status (especially in scientific, technical, or military uses).
9. A section of any member, made at right angles with its main lines, showing the exact shape of mouldings etc.
10. 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.
11. (slang) An exemption from certain types of duties due to injury or disability.

Verb

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

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpɹəʊfaɪl/

Etymology

From French profil, from Italian profilo (“a border”), later also proffilo (“a side-face, profile”), from Latin pro (“before”) + filo (“a line, stroke, thread”), from filum (“a thread”); see file. Doublet of purfle.