summary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form
    sum-up.
    • he gave a summary of the conclusions
  2. adjective satellite performed speedily and without formality
    drumhead.
    • a summary execution
    • summary justice
  3. adjective satellite briefly giving the gist of something
    compact; succinct; compendious.
    • a short and compendious book
    • a compact style is brief and pithy
    • succinct comparisons
    • a summary formulation of a wide-ranging subject

WordNet

Sum"ma*ry adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. sommaire. See Sum.
Definitions
  1. Formed into a sum; summed up; reduced into a narrow compass, or into few words; short; brief; concise; compendious; as, a summary statement of facts.
  2. Hence, rapidly performed; quickly executed; as, a summary process; to take summary vengeance. Syn. -- Short; brief; concise; compendious; succinct.
Sum"ma*ry noun
Etymology
F. sommaire, or L. summarium. See Summary, a.
Wordforms
plural Summaries
Definitions
  1. A general or comprehensive statement; an abridged account; an abstract, abridgment, or compendium, containing the sum or substance of a fuller account.

Webster 1913