The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Describe \De*scribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Described; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Describing.] [L. describere, descriptum; de- +
   scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F.
   d['e]crire. See Scribe, and cf. Descry.]
   1. To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate;
      to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the
      compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as
      to describe a circle.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To represent by words written or spoken; to give an
      account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as,
      the geographer describes countries and cities.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off;
      to class. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Passed through the land, and described it by cities
            into seven parts in a book.           --Josh. xviii.
                                                  9.

   Syn: To set forth; represent; delineate; relate; recount;
        narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

described
    adj 1: represented in words especially with sharpness and
           detail; "the vividly described wars"