detail
UK: ˈdiːteɪl | US: ˈdiːteɪl
n. a small, individual part of a larger whole; a minor feature or element
n. a thorough or meticulous treatment of a subject
vt. to describe or explain something item by item
vt. to assign for a specific task (military context)
The word "detail" originates from the Old French detaillier ("to cut in pieces"), derived from de- (indicating completeness) + taillier ("to cut"). The root tail reflects the idea of "cutting" something into smaller parts, which evolved into the modern sense of examining or listing individual components. The military usage ("assigning a task") stems from the notion of "cutting out" specific duties from a larger plan.
The report included every detail of the experiment.
She detailed her travel plans in a lengthy email.
The sergeant detailed three soldiers for guard duty.
The artist paid close attention to the smallest details.
Can you detail the steps required to complete the project?