noun

• a record or narrative description of past events
  "a history of France"
• a short account of the news
  "the report of his speech"
• 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"
• a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
  "the explanation was very simple"

verb

• 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"
• keep an account of
• to give an account or representation of in words
  "Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental"
• furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
  "I can't account for the missing money"