Single sentence used to describe skirt (5)

'single sentence' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'to describe skirt' is the wordplay.
'to' becomes 'ali' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'describe' becomes 'name' (synonyms).
'skirt' suggests removing the centre (skirt can mean the edge or outside of something).
'name' with its centre removed is 'ne'.
'ali'+'ne'='ALINE'

'used' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?