Limn is a verb that means ‘to describe in words.’

The Latin word illuminare (ee loom in ARE ay) means ’to shine.’ It’s related to English words like ‘illuminate.’ When we illuminate something in a literal sense, we shine light on it. We when do so figuratively, we describe it or bring it to life. That’s how our word of the day came to have its meaning.

Because I couldn’t quite limn the strange pain in my abdomen to the doctor, it took a while to discover its source. This is why communication with health professionals is very important.