Search Dictionary
Definition of descriptor

descriptor

/dɪˈskrɪptər/
de · scrip · tor
Adverb:descriptively
•
Plural:descriptors
•
Adjective:descriptive
JUMP TO:

descriptor Lexical Profile

descriptor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A word, phrase, or expression used to describe, characterize, or identify someone or something.

Example

"The critic used the descriptor 'visionary' to praise the director's latest film."

2

A standardized keyword, code, or data structure used in computing and information science to index, categorize, or define the attributes of a file, record, or object.

Example

"When a program opens a document, the operating system assigns a unique file descriptor to track it."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for descriptor

• Rhymes for descriptor

• Nearby Words

descriptive
descriptively
descriptiveness
descriptor
desdemona
deseado
desecrate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin descriptor ('one who describes or writes down'), an agent noun from the verb describere ('to write down, copy, or describe'). Its modern senses in library indexing and computer science emerged in the mid-20th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Descriptor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/descriptor
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.