Dictionary
de•sign
Pronunciation: (di-zīn'), [key]—
v.t.
1. to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed), esp. to plan the form and structure of:
to design a new bridge.
2. to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.
3. to intend for a definite purpose:
a scholarship designed for foreign students.
4. to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan:
The prisoner designed an intricate escape.
5. to assign in thought or intention; purpose:
He designed to be a doctor.
6. Obs.to mark out, as by a sign; indicate.
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v.i.
1. to make drawings, preliminary sketches, or plans.
2. to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc.
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n.
1. an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.
2. organization or structure of formal elements in a work of art; composition.
3. the combination of details or features of a picture, building, etc.; the pattern or motif of artistic work:
the design on a bracelet.
4. the art of designing:
a school of design.
5. a plan or project:
a design for a new process.
6. a plot or intrigue, esp. an underhand, deceitful, or treacherous one:
His political rivals formulated a design to unseat him.
7. designs,a hostile or aggressive project or scheme having evil or selfish motives:
He had designs on his partner's stock.
8. intention; purpose; end.
9. adaptation of means to a preconceived end.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.