label

The definition of a label is something used to describe a person or thing.

(noun)

An example of a label is a piece of fabric sewn into the collar of a shirt giving the size, what the shirt is made of and where the shirt was made.
An example of a label is a father introducing one of his sons as "the smart one."

See label in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Archaic
1. a narrow band of cloth, etc.; fillet
2. a narrow strip of ribbon attached to a document to hold the seal
a card, strip of paper, etc. marked and attached to an object to indicate its nature, contents, ownership, destination, etc.
a descriptive word or phrase applied to a person, group, theory, etc. as a convenient generalized classification
☆ an identifying brand, as of a company producing recorded music
1. a company producing and distributing prerecorded discs, tapes, etc.
2. such a tape, disc, etc.
tracer ()
Archit. a projecting molding over a door, window, etc.
Heraldry a horizontal bar with several dependent points on the coat of arms of an eldest son

Origin: OFr, a rag, strip < Frank *labba, akin to OHG lappa, a rag, shred: for IE base see lap

to attach a label to; mark with a label
to classify as; call; describe
1. to differentiate (an element, atom, etc.) by introducing a radioactive isotope or an isotope of unusual mass that may be readily traced through a complex process
2. to incorporate a labeled element into (a molecule, compound, material, etc.)

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See label in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.
A descriptive term; an epithet.
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
Architecture A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
Heraldry A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
Chemistry See tracer.

transitive verb la·beled or la·belled, la·bel·ing or la·bel·ling, la·bels

To attach a label to.
To identify or designate with a label; describe or classify: labeled them Yuppies. See Synonyms at mark¹.
Chemistry To add a tracer to (a compound).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, ornamental strip of cloth

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , probably of Germanic origin

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