1. (

• account ,

) 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" ;

2. (

• account ,
• calculate

) keep an account of ;

3. (

• report ,
• describe ,
• account ,

) to give an account or representation of in words; "Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental" ;

4. (

• account ,
• answer_for

) furnish a justifying analysis or explanation; "I can't account for the missing money" ;