ə.ˈkaʊn.tɪŋ ˈkælkjʊleɪt ˈkɹɒnɪkəl ˈkrɑnɪkl̩ dəˈskɹaɪb ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən ˈhɪst(ə)ɹi ˈɪnˌvɔɪs ɹɪˈpɔɹt ɹɪˈpɔːt ɹəˈpoːt ɹɪˈpɔɹt ɹɪˈpɔːt ɹəˈpoːt skɔː skɔɹ sko(ː)ɹ furnish a justifying analysis or explanation I can't account for the missing money to give an account or representation of in words Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental keep an account of be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply, or disposal of something Passing grades account for half of the grades given in this exam the quality of taking advantage she turned her writing skills to good account importance or value a person of considerable account he predicted that although it is of small account now it will rapidly increase in importance a record or narrative description of past events a history of France he gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president the story of exposure to lead an itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered he paid his bill and left send me an account of what I owe a short account of the news the report of his speech the story was on the 11 o'clock news the account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc. the explanation was very simple I expected a brief account the act of informing by verbal report he heard reports that they were causing trouble by all accounts they were a happy couple grounds don't do it on my account the paper was rejected on account of its length he tried to blame the victim but his success on that score was doubtful a statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance they send me an accounting every month a formal contractual relationship established to provide for regular banking or brokerage or business services he asked to see the executive who handled his account