signalement

description (of a person)

noun see-nyal-MAHN Rare

Usage Note

Signalement is the official or police term for a physical description of a person — height, build, hair colour, distinguishing features — used in reports, bulletins, and alerts. It is related to signaler (to report, to flag) and signal. The plural is signalements; it is always used in formal or investigative contexts rather than casual conversation.

Examples

"La police diffuse le signalement du suspect."

Natural Translation

The police are circulating the suspect's description.

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