<?xml version="1.0"?>
<informationTable xmlns="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/document/thirteenf/informationtable" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>2U INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>90214J101</cusip><value>29565</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>772145</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>645563</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>126582</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>8X8 INC NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>282914100</cusip><value>26739</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1732894</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1460828</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>272066</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AAR CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>000361105</cusip><value>2686</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>85768</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>71266</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>14502</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ABIOMED INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>003654100</cusip><value>12220</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>95036</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>79179</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>15857</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ACCENTURE PLC IRELAND</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS CLASS A</titleOfClass><cusip>G1151C101</cusip><value>67460</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>552180</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>512962</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>39218</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ACHILLION PHARMACEUTICALS IN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00448Q201</cusip><value>1089</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>134388</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>134388</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ACTIVISION BLIZZARD INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00507V109</cusip><value>181634</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>4100098</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>3707319</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>392779</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ACUITY BRANDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00508Y102</cusip><value>35941</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>135832</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>126386</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>9446</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ADVANCED ENERGY INDS</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>007973100</cusip><value>24477</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>517262</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>429982</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>87280</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AERIE PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00771V108</cusip><value>974</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>25800</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Put</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>25800</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AERIE PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00771V108</cusip><value>11039</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>292511</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>265391</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27120</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00846U101</cusip><value>22863</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>485520</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>445085</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>40435</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AGIOS PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00847X104</cusip><value>15999</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>302889</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>285889</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>17000</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AIMMUNE THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00900T107</cusip><value>918</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>61198</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>61198</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>00971T101</cusip><value>1648</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>31100</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Call</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>31100</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALBEMARLE CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>012653101</cusip><value>71767</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>839484</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>750541</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>88943</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>015351109</cusip><value>13359</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>109015</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>109015</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>016255101</cusip><value>64241</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>685233</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>585863</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>99370</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALLEGION PUB LTD CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>ORD SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G0176J109</cusip><value>42956</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>623358</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>489019</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>134339</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALLERGAN PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G0177J108</cusip><value>2589</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>11242</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>11242</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ALPHABET INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CAP STK CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>02079K305</cusip><value>291650</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>362722</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>337450</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>25272</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMAZON COM INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>023135106</cusip><value>240493</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>287221</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>267160</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>20061</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMBARELLA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G037AX101</cusip><value>10502</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>142671</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>118460</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>24211</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMEDISYS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>023436108</cusip><value>821</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>17309</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>17309</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMICUS THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>03152W109</cusip><value>2449</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>330996</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>330996</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMN HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>001744101</cusip><value>5369</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>168452</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>139943</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>28509</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AMSURG CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>03232P405</cusip><value>929</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>13853</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>13853</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>AON PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>G0408V102</cusip><value>8884</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>78980</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>51567</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27413</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>APPLE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>037833100</cusip><value>284096</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2513016</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2337918</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>175098</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>APPLIED MATLS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>038222105</cusip><value>92519</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>3068629</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2655498</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>413131</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ARRAY BIOPHARMA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>04269X105</cusip><value>6682</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>989970</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>897970</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>92000</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ARRAY BIOPHARMA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>04269X105</cusip><value>1351</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>200100</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Put</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>200100</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ASTEC INDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>046224101</cusip><value>6689</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>111726</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>92956</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>18770</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ATRICURE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>04963C209</cusip><value>2590</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>163717</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>163717</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BANC OF CALIFORNIA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>05990K106</cusip><value>10006</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>573059</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>509261</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>63798</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BANK OF THE OZARKS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>063904106</cusip><value>7011</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>182587</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>151738</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>30849</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BARCLAYS BK PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>IPATH S&amp;P500 VIX</titleOfClass><cusip>06740Q252</cusip><value>3917</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>114971</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>114971</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>09061G101</cusip><value>24850</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>268593</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>233061</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>35532</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BLUE BUFFALO PET PRODS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>09531U102</cusip><value>16125</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>678677</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>572342</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>106335</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BLUEBIRD BIO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>09609G100</cusip><value>11660</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>172034</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>160034</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>12000</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON HLDG COR</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>099502106</cusip><value>42803</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1354109</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1018853</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>335256</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BORGWARNER INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>099724106</cusip><value>14048</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>399314</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>297633</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>101681</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>101137107</cusip><value>95836</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>4026717</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>3745817</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>280900</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>110122108</cusip><value>119681</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2219600</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2064814</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>154786</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BROADCOM LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>Y09827109</cusip><value>120123</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>696282</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>649261</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>47021</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYS I</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>111621306</cusip><value>725</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>78500</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>78500</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>BURLINGTON STORES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>122017106</cusip><value>47936</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>591661</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>465060</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>126601</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CACI INTL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>127190304</cusip><value>9283</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>91998</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>76561</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>15437</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CALLAWAY GOLF CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>131193104</cusip><value>9938</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>855962</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>712096</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>143866</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CANADIAN PAC RY LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>13645T100</cusip><value>10955</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>71739</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>46890</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>24849</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CELGENE CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>151020104</cusip><value>62761</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>600416</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>563511</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>36905</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CENTRAL GARDEN &amp; PET CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A NON-VTG</titleOfClass><cusip>153527205</cusip><value>5414</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>218299</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>181399</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>36900</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CHARLES RIV LABS INTL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>159864107</cusip><value>8973</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>107666</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>107666</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CIENA CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>171779309</cusip><value>9617</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>441152</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>366452</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>74700</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CIGNA CORPORATION</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>125509109</cusip><value>3455</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>26508</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>26508</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CINTAS CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>172908105</cusip><value>9307</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>82652</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>55447</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27205</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CLOVIS ONCOLOGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>189464100</cusip><value>228</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>6337</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>6337</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COGENT COMMUNICATIONS HLDGS</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>19239v302</cusip><value>1229</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>33389</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>33389</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COGNEX CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>192422103</cusip><value>13098</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>247796</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>205885</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>41911</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COHERENT INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>192479103</cusip><value>21683</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>196152</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>168449</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27703</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COHERUS BIOSCIENCES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>19249H103</cusip><value>8467</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>316177</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>282459</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>33718</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>198516106</cusip><value>16243</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>286278</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>238130</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>48148</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COMMSCOPE HLDG CO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>20337X109</cusip><value>55970</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1858849</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1507048</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>351801</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COMMVAULT SYSTEMS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>204166102</cusip><value>13963</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>262808</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>196519</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>66289</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>21036P108</cusip><value>116776</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>701400</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>619558</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>81842</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COOPER COS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>216648402</cusip><value>21106</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>117742</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>90577</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27165</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CORNERSTONE ONDEMAND INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>21925Y103</cusip><value>325</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>7077</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>7077</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>COTT CORP QUE</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>22163N106</cusip><value>12397</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>869938</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>724164</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>145774</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CYBERARK SOFTWARE LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>M2682V108</cusip><value>1727</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>34846</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>34846</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>CYNOSURE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>232577205</cusip><value>38630</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>758346</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>639986</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>118360</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DANAHER CORP DEL</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>235851102</cusip><value>5658</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>72176</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>72176</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DAVE &amp; BUSTERS ENTMT INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>238337109</cusip><value>11761</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>300182</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>256697</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>43485</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DELTA AIR LINES INC DEL</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>247361702</cusip><value>95451</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2425087</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2258728</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>166359</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DEXCOM INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>252131107</cusip><value>124500</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1420262</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1301685</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>118577</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DIAMONDBACK ENERGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>25278X109</cusip><value>39784</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>412097</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>340597</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>71500</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DIGITALGLOBE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>25389M877</cusip><value>15954</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>580137</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>475627</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>104510</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DOLBY LABORATORIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>25659T107</cusip><value>39225</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>722511</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>615482</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>107029</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DOLLAR TREE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>256746108</cusip><value>78171</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>990379</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>905730</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>84649</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DOMINOS PIZZA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>25754A201</cusip><value>11839</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>77965</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>68979</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>8986</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>DYCOM INDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>267475101</cusip><value>18521</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>226468</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>194505</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>31963</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>E L F BEAUTY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>26856L103</cusip><value>3545</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>126069</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>104774</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>21295</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>28176E108</cusip><value>242028</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2007530</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1804244</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>203286</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ELECTRONIC ARTS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>285512109</cusip><value>20846</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>244096</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>155438</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>88658</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>EQUIFAX INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>294429105</cusip><value>89926</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>668196</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>621638</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>46558</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>EROS INTL PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>G3788M114</cusip><value>747</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>48745</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>48745</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>EXACT SCIENCES CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>30063P105</cusip><value>6215</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>334658</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>287147</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>47511</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FACEBOOK INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>30303M102</cusip><value>267696</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2086973</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1938995</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>147978</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FEDEX CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>31428X106</cusip><value>68614</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>392796</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>379270</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>13526</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FIDELITY NATL INFORMATION SV</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>31620M106</cusip><value>96775</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1256323</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1157180</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>99143</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FINISAR CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>31787A507</cusip><value>1650</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>55364</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>55364</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FIRST REP BK SAN FRANCISCO C</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>33616C100</cusip><value>15727</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>203955</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>181304</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>22651</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FIVE BELOW INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>33829M101</cusip><value>16382</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>406609</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>347058</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>59551</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FIVE9 INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>338307101</cusip><value>11817</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>753638</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>667521</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>86117</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FLAMEL TECHNOLOGIES SA</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SPONSORED ADR</titleOfClass><cusip>338488109</cusip><value>615</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>49571</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>49571</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FLEETCOR TECHNOLOGIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>339041105</cusip><value>165821</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>954475</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>883391</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>71084</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FORTIVE CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>34959J108</cusip><value>9967</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>195807</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>128138</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>67669</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>FORTUNE BRANDS HOME &amp; SEC IN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>34964C106</cusip><value>31822</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>547718</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>412992</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>134726</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>GENOMIC HEALTH INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>37244C101</cusip><value>914</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>31607</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>31607</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>GRANITE CONSTR INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>387328107</cusip><value>23269</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>467820</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>388739</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>79081</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>GRUBHUB INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>400110102</cusip><value>15533</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>361305</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>307885</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>53420</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>HD SUPPLY HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>40416M105</cusip><value>13540</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>423377</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>373527</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>49850</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>HEADWATERS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>42210P102</cusip><value>5338</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>315467</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>280316</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>35151</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>HEALTHSOUTH CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>421924309</cusip><value>17088</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>421201</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>365188</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>56013</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>HUMANA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>444859102</cusip><value>3660</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>20692</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>20692</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>IDEXX LABS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45168D104</cusip><value>73943</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>655932</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>524039</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>131893</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>IMAX CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45245E109</cusip><value>13865</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>478608</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>408742</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>69866</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INCYTE CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45337C102</cusip><value>19828</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>210283</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>175781</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>34502</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INGEVITY CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45688C107</cusip><value>8663</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>187920</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>154214</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>33706</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INOGEN INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45780L104</cusip><value>9554</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>159493</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>132528</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>26965</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INOTEK PHARMACEUTICALS CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45780V102</cusip><value>1596</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>168378</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>168378</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INPHI CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45772F107</cusip><value>20203</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>464341</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>393506</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>70835</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INSULET CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45784P101</cusip><value>12806</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>312798</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>271209</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>41589</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES HLDGS C</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>457985208</cusip><value>25674</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>311010</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>254637</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>56373</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>458118106</cusip><value>6356</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>275163</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>242420</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>32743</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTEL CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>458140100</cusip><value>71506</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1894211</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1765761</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>128450</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTER PARFUMS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>458334109</cusip><value>7476</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>231680</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>206080</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>25600</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTERCEPT PHARMACEUTICALS IN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45845P108</cusip><value>14391</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>87436</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>74543</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>12893</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTERCONTINENTAL EXCHANGE IN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>45866F104</cusip><value>15804</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>58672</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>38387</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>20285</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTERXION HOLDING N.V</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>N47279109</cusip><value>986</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>27221</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>27221</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTRA CELLULAR THERAPIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>46116X101</cusip><value>5954</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>390650</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>332529</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>58121</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTREXON CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>46122T102</cusip><value>2045</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>73000</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>73000</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>INTUITIVE SURGICAL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>46120E602</cusip><value>191194</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>263778</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>241202</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>22576</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>IROBOT CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>462726100</cusip><value>19004</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>432108</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>369748</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>62360</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>JACK IN THE BOX INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>466367109</cusip><value>21496</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>224055</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>189616</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>34439</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS USD</titleOfClass><cusip>G50871105</cusip><value>12565</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>103434</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>103434</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>477839104</cusip><value>19492</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>276285</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>228083</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>48202</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>JUNO THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>48205A109</cusip><value>4221</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>140663</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>140663</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>K2M GROUP HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>48273J107</cusip><value>6950</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>390891</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>348231</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>42660</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>485170302</cusip><value>15745</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>168720</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>150010</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>18710</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>KELLOGG CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>487836108</cusip><value>64409</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>831406</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>773091</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>58315</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>KITE PHARMA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>49803L109</cusip><value>4335</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>77600</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>66900</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>10700</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>KRAFT HEINZ CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>500754106</cusip><value>91629</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1023675</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>952475</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>71200</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>502424104</cusip><value>44334</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>294126</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>273576</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>20550</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LABORATORY CORP AMER HLDGS</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>50540R409</cusip><value>30294</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>220349</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>177845</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>42504</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LAM RESEARCH CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>512807108</cusip><value>116042</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1225230</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1139922</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>85308</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>52729N308</cusip><value>9838</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>212122</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>138471</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>73651</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LEXICON PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>528872302</cusip><value>18903</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1046088</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>886244</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>159844</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LILLY ELI &amp; CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>532457108</cusip><value>107053</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1333822</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1253301</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>80521</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LOGMEIN INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>54142L109</cusip><value>17889</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>197908</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>163487</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>34421</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>LUMENTUM HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>55024U109</cusip><value>1336</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>31975</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>31975</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MAGNACHIP SEMICONDUCTOR CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>55933J203</cusip><value>168</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>20141</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>20141</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MASCO CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>574599106</cusip><value>153386</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>4470603</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>4021489</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>449114</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MASIMO CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>574795100</cusip><value>9833</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>165292</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>137507</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27785</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MASTERCARD INCORPORATED</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>57636Q104</cusip><value>196666</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1932460</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1792664</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>139796</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MATCH GROUP INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>57665R106</cusip><value>9750</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>548052</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>359316</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>188736</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MATTEL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>577081102</cusip><value>41154</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1359122</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1089423</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>269699</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MEDTRONIC PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G5960L103</cusip><value>3706</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>42890</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>42890</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MERCK &amp; CO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>58933Y105</cusip><value>12136</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>194457</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>194457</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MERCURY SYS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>589378108</cusip><value>6238</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>253899</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>226513</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27386</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>METTLER TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>592688105</cusip><value>9356</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>22285</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>19780</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>2505</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>595112103</cusip><value>1734</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>97500</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Put</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>97500</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>595112103</cusip><value>115446</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>6493006</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>5837111</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>655895</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MICROSEMI CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>595137100</cusip><value>42532</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1013160</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>773638</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>239522</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MICROSOFT CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>594918104</cusip><value>153571</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2666162</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2483612</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>182550</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MIDDLEBY CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>596278101</cusip><value>38724</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>313251</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>247091</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>66160</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MIMECAST LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>ORD SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G14838109</cusip><value>7053</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>368697</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>306382</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>62315</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MINDBODY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>60255W105</cusip><value>885</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>45040</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>45040</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MKS INSTRUMENT INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>55306N104</cusip><value>18035</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>362663</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>284354</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>78309</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MOBILEYE N V AMSTELVEEN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>ORD SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>N51488117</cusip><value>56352</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1323746</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1080806</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>242940</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MOHAWK INDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>608190104</cusip><value>12207</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>60932</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>39320</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>21612</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MOLINA HEALTHCARE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>60855R100</cusip><value>675</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>11574</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>11574</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MOLSON COORS BREWING CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL B</titleOfClass><cusip>60871R209</cusip><value>14383</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>130990</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>78592</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>52398</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MONDELEZ INTL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>609207105</cusip><value>65844</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1499862</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1394621</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>105241</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MONOLITHIC PWR SYS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>609839105</cusip><value>1113</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>13826</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>13826</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>MONSTER BEVERAGE CORP NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>61174X109</cusip><value>10180</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>69338</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>45189</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>24149</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NANOSTRING TECHNOLOGIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>63009R109</cusip><value>596</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>29826</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>29826</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NASDAQ INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>631103108</cusip><value>8446</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>125054</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>81485</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>43569</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>64125C109</cusip><value>11129</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>219762</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>186791</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>32971</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NEVRO CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>64157F103</cusip><value>75587</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>724079</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>617196</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>106883</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NEWELL BRANDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>651229106</cusip><value>112508</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2136505</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1902594</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>233911</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NEWFIELD EXPL CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>651290108</cusip><value>17981</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>413745</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>367790</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>45955</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NEWLINK GENETICS CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>651511107</cusip><value>1637</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>108988</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>108988</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NOVARTIS A G</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SPONSORED ADR</titleOfClass><cusip>66987V109</cusip><value>10309</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>130564</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>130564</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67020Y100</cusip><value>3963</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>273287</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>242925</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>30362</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NUTRI SYS INC NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67069D108</cusip><value>14349</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>483284</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>401871</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>81413</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NUVASIVE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>670704105</cusip><value>49063</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>736015</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>623564</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>112451</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NVIDIA CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67066G104</cusip><value>18928</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>276241</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>248584</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>27657</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NXP SEMICONDUCTORS N V</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>N6596X109</cusip><value>95951</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>940604</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>875008</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>65596</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>NXSTAGE MEDICAL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67072V103</cusip><value>9247</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>370022</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>313945</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>56077</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67103H107</cusip><value>10665</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>38074</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>25030</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>13044</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>OCLARO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>67555n206</cusip><value>2051</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>239890</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>239890</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>OCULAR THERAPEUTIX INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>67576A100</cusip><value>3375</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>491204</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>491204</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>OTONOMY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>68906L105</cusip><value>1402</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>77093</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>77093</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PANERA BREAD CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>69840W108</cusip><value>83261</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>427592</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>395386</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>32206</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PARKER HANNIFIN CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>701094104</cusip><value>9581</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>76326</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>49734</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>26592</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PARSLEY ENERGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>701877102</cusip><value>36605</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1092363</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>933359</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>159004</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PATHEON N V</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>N6865W105</cusip><value>5070</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>171124</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>142434</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>28690</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PAYCOM SOFTWARE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>70432V102</cusip><value>7747</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>154539</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>128402</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>26137</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PENUMBRA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>70975L107</cusip><value>12558</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>165259</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>137257</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>28002</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PINNACLE FOODS INC DEL</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>72348P104</cusip><value>29386</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>585738</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>544938</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>40800</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PIONEER NAT RES CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>723787107</cusip><value>95350</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>513603</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>464335</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>49268</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PLANET FITNESS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>72703H101</cusip><value>7784</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>387822</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>322260</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>65562</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PPG INDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>693506107</cusip><value>136627</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1321858</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1230246</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>91612</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PROCTER AND GAMBLE CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>742718109</cusip><value>123497</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1376007</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1280255</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>95752</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PROOFPOINT INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>743424103</cusip><value>17927</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>239511</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>207547</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>31964</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PROTHENA CORP PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SHS</titleOfClass><cusip>G72800108</cusip><value>7864</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>131128</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>109194</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>21934</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>PTC THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>69366J200</cusip><value>557</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>39732</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>39732</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>RAPID7 INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>753422104</cusip><value>906</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>51310</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>51310</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>REPLIGEN CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>759916109</cusip><value>357</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>11810</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>11810</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>RINGCENTRAL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>76680R206</cusip><value>48459</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2048123</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1761126</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>286997</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>RITCHIE BROS AUCTIONEERS</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>767744105</cusip><value>10441</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>297706</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>247406</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>50300</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>RITE AID CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>767754104</cusip><value>883</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>114827</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>114827</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>V7780T103</cusip><value>98610</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1315674</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1224846</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>90828</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>S&amp;P GLOBAL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>78409V104</cusip><value>87469</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>691129</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>639601</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>51528</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SALESFORCE COM INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>79466L302</cusip><value>2739</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>38400</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Call</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>38400</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SANGAMO BIOSCIENCES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>800677106</cusip><value>2391</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>516497</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>516497</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SCHEIN HENRY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>806407102</cusip><value>8044</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>49354</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>49354</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SERVICENOW INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>81762P102</cusip><value>55974</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>707188</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>554325</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>152863</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SHIRE PLC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SPONSORED ADR</titleOfClass><cusip>82481R106</cusip><value>15376</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>79315</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>79315</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SHOPIFY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>82509L107</cusip><value>10427</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>242936</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>209517</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>33419</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SILICON MOTION TECHNOLOGY CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>SPONSORED ADR</titleOfClass><cusip>82706C108</cusip><value>25132</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>485261</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>403501</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>81760</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SIX FLAGS ENTMT CORP NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>83001A102</cusip><value>43842</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>817802</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>732250</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>85552</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SPECTRANETICS CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>84760C107</cusip><value>9104</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>362846</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>314274</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>48572</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SPLUNK INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>848637104</cusip><value>1326</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>22602</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>22602</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SQUARE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>852234103</cusip><value>21901</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1878278</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1616015</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>262263</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>STAMPS COM INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>852857200</cusip><value>38654</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>408994</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>352382</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>56612</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>STEMLINE THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>85858C107</cusip><value>1577</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>145596</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>145596</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>STRYKER CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>863667101</cusip><value>3515</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>30194</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>30194</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>SURGICAL CARE AFFILIATES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>86881L106</cusip><value>13687</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>280695</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>277190</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>3505</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWAR</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>874054109</cusip><value>19463</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>431737</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>336596</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>95141</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L P</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>PRTNRSP UNITS</titleOfClass><cusip>Y8564M105</cusip><value>1498</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>99000</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>99000</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TELIGENT INC NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>87960W104</cusip><value>1394</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>183462</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>183462</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TENET HEALTHCARE CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>88033G407</cusip><value>10374</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>457817</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>457817</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TENNECO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>880349105</cusip><value>53464</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>917529</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>786312</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>131217</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TESARO INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>881569107</cusip><value>4498</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>44872</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>37333</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>7539</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TESLA MTRS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>88160R101</cusip><value>2102</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>10300</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Call</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>10300</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TG THERAPEUTICS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>88322Q108</cusip><value>4918</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>635360</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>635360</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>THERAPEUTICSMD INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>88338N107</cusip><value>896</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>131587</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>131587</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>883556102</cusip><value>141959</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>892490</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>834745</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>57745</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TJX COS INC NEW</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>872540109</cusip><value>139150</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1860798</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1727354</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>133444</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TRANSUNION</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>89400J107</cusip><value>25307</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>733523</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>564344</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>169179</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TREEHOUSE FOODS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>89469A104</cusip><value>5628</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>64546</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>56638</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>7908</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>896239100</cusip><value>29784</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1042872</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>831875</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>210997</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TUBEMOGUL INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>898570106</cusip><value>324</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>34554</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>34554</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>TYLER TECHNOLOGIES INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>902252105</cusip><value>28281</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>165165</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>139928</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>25237</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>U S CONCRETE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM NEW</titleOfClass><cusip>90333L201</cusip><value>4937</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>107168</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>95303</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>11865</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>U S SILICA HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>90346E103</cusip><value>8245</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>177085</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>147353</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>29732</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ULTA SALON COSMETCS &amp; FRAG I</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>90384S303</cusip><value>242556</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1019228</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>918289</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>100939</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ULTRAGENYX PHARMACEUTICAL IN</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>90400D108</cusip><value>11580</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>163231</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>139879</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>23352</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNDER ARMOUR INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>904311107</cusip><value>54929</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>1420093</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>1321601</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>98492</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNDER ARMOUR INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL C</titleOfClass><cusip>904311206</cusip><value>7403</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>218639</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>142758</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>75881</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNITED PARCEL SERVICE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL B</titleOfClass><cusip>911312106</cusip><value>2198</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>20100</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>20100</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>91324P102</cusip><value>10399</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>74278</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>74278</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>91347P105</cusip><value>49469</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>891178</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>727523</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>163655</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNIVERSAL ELECTRS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>913483103</cusip><value>8641</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>116045</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>92687</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>23358</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>UNIVERSAL HLTH SVCS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL B</titleOfClass><cusip>913903100</cusip><value>4396</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>35672</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>35672</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VAIL RESORTS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>91879Q109</cusip><value>45955</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>292929</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>242267</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>50662</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS INTL</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>91911K102</cusip><value>3812</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>155280</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>155280</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VANDA PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>921659108</cusip><value>1400</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>84111</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>84111</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VANTIV INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>92210H105</cusip><value>21620</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>384219</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>283223</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>100996</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VARIAN MED SYS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>92220P105</cusip><value>4976</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>50000</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><putCall>Call</putCall><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>0</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>50000</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VCA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>918194101</cusip><value>41794</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>597223</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>475032</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>122191</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>92532F100</cusip><value>6645</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>76199</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>76199</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VISA INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>92826C839</cusip><value>188715</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>2281925</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>2115337</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>166588</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VOCERA COMMUNICATIONS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>92857F107</cusip><value>7979</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>472106</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>421132</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>50974</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>VULCAN MATLS CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>929160109</cusip><value>12194</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>107217</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>70280</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>36937</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WABCO HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>92927K102</cusip><value>7391</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>65098</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>53927</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>11171</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>931427108</cusip><value>7673</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>95178</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>95178</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WASTE CONNECTIONS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>94106B101</cusip><value>12601</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>168682</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>110440</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>58242</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WATERS CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>941848103</cusip><value>8684</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>54795</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>35211</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>19584</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>94946T106</cusip><value>67609</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>577409</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>471013</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>106396</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WESTERN UN CO</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>959802109</cusip><value>10849</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>521075</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>463060</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>58015</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WINTRUST FINL CORP</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>97650W108</cusip><value>6355</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>114352</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>95052</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>19300</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WPX ENERGY INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>98212B103</cusip><value>11788</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>893737</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>742657</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>151080</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WRIGHT MED GROUP N V</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>ORD SHS 0.03 PAR</titleOfClass><cusip>N96617118</cusip><value>21911</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>893231</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>772669</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>120562</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>WYNN RESORTS LTD</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>983134107</cusip><value>75741</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>777470</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>724139</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>53331</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>YUM BRANDS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>988498101</cusip><value>1408</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>15500</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>15500</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>0</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ZENDESK INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>98936J101</cusip><value>27523</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>896227</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>771040</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>125187</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ZIMMER BIOMET HLDGS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>98956P102</cusip><value>18039</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>138738</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>95158</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>43580</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ZIONS BANCORPORATION</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>COM</titleOfClass><cusip>989701107</cusip><value>8481</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>273393</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>178409</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>94984</None></votingAuthority></infoTable><infoTable><nameOfIssuer>ZOETIS INC</nameOfIssuer><titleOfClass>CL A</titleOfClass><cusip>98978V103</cusip><value>34393</value><shrsOrPrnAmt><sshPrnamt>661272</sshPrnamt><sshPrnamtType>SH</sshPrnamtType></shrsOrPrnAmt><investmentDiscretion>SOLE</investmentDiscretion><otherManager>
		</otherManager><votingAuthority><Sole>535007</Sole><Shared>0</Shared><None>126265</None></votingAuthority></infoTable></informationTable>
