What is "in detail"

Detail \De"tail\ (d[=e]"t[=a]l or d[-e]*t[=a]l"; 277), n. [F. d['e]tail, fr. d['e]tailler to cut in pieces, tell in detail; pref. d['e]- (L. de or dis-) + tailler to cut. See Tailor.]

1. A minute portion; one of the small parts; a particular; an item; -- used chiefly in the plural; as, the details of a scheme or transaction.

   The details of the campaign in Italy.
   --Motley.

2. A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.

3. (Mil.) The selection for a particular service of a person or a body of men; hence, the person or the body of men so selected.

4. (Arch. & Mach.)

   1. A minor part, as, in a building, the cornice, caps of the buttresses, capitals of the columns, etc., or (called larger details) a porch, a gable with its windows, a pavilion, or an attached tower.

   2. A detail drawing.

      Detail drawing, a drawing of the full size, or on a large scale, of some part of a building, machine, etc.

      In detail, in subdivisions; part by part; item by item; circumstantially; with particularity.

      Syn: Account; relation; narrative; recital; explanation; narration.

adv. (context idiomatic English) thoroughly; including every detail; with all particulars.

adv. thoroughly (including all important particulars); "he studied the snake in detail"