Detail \de"tail\ (d[=e]"t[=a]l), n. [F détail, fr. détailler to cut in pieces, tell in detail; pref. dé- (L. de or dis-) + tailler to cut. See tailor.]

1. An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole; "several of the details are similar"; "a point of information" [syn: item, point]
2. Extended treatment of particulars; "the essay contained too much detail"
3. A minute portion; one of the small parts; a particular; an item; -- used chiefly in the plural; as, the details of a scheme or transaction

   The details of the campaign in Italy. --Motley

4. A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars
5. (Mil.) The selection for a particular service of a person or a body of men; hence, the person or the body of men so selected; a temporary military unit; "the peace-keeping force includes one British contingent" [syn: contingent]
6. A crew of workers selected for a particular task; "a detail was sent to remove the fallen trees"
7. In detail, in subdivisions; part by part; item; circumstantially; with particularity [ syn: account; relation; narrative; recital; explanation; narration ]

Detail \de*tail"\, n.

1. A small part that can be considered separately from the whole; "it was perfect in all details" [syn: particular, item]
2. (Arch. & Mach.) (a) A minor part, as, in a building, the cornice, caps of the buttresses, capitals of the columns, etc., or (called larger details) a porch, a gable with its windows, a pavilion, or an attached tower
3. In detail, in subdivisions; part by part; item by item; circumstantially; with particularity
4. A detail drawing, a drawing of the full size, or on a large scale, of some part of a building, machine, etc

Detail \de"tail\ (d[-e]*t[=a]l"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. detailed (-t[=a]ld"); p. pr. & vb. n. detailing.] [Cf. F détailler to cut up in pieces, tell in detail. See detail, n.]

1. To relate in particulars; to particularize; to report minutely and distinctly; to enumerate; to specify; as, he detailed all the facts in due order; provide details for
2. Assign to a specific task: "The ambulances were detailed to the fire station"; (Mil.) to appoint for a particular service, as an officer, a troop, or a squadron [syn: detail; detach] Usage: Detail respect the act of individualizing the person or body that is separated; detach, the removing for the given end or object