Profiling

pro·file  (prfl)

n.

1.

a. A side view of an object or structure, especially of the human head.

b. A representation of an object or structure seen from the side. See Synonyms at form.

2. An outline of an object. See Synonyms at outline.

3. Degree of exposure to public notice; visibility: preferred to keep a low profile.

4. A biographical essay presenting the subject's most noteworthy characteristics and achievements.

5. A formal summary or analysis of data, often in the form of a graph or table, representing distinctive features or characteristics: a psychological profile of a job applicant; a biochemical profile of blood.

6. Geology A vertical section of soil or rock showing the sequence of the various layers.

tr.v. pro·filed, pro·fil·ing, pro·files

1. To draw or shape a profile of.

2. To produce a profile of.

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[Italian profilo, from profilare, to draw in outline : pro-, forward (from Latin pr-; see pro-¹) + filare, to draw a line (from Medieval Latin flre, to spin, from Latin flum, thread; see g^wh- in Indo-European roots).]

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profil·er n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

profiling - recording a person's behavior and analyzing psychological characteristics in order to predict or assess their ability in a certain sphere or to identify a particular group of people identification - evidence of identity; something that identifies a person or thing