characteristic
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14 ENTRIES FOUND:

1char·ac·ter·is·tic

noun \ˌker-ik-tə-ˈris-tik, ˌka-rik-\

Definition of CHARACTERISTIC

1
: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
2
: the integral part of a common logarithm
3
: the smallest positive integer n which for an operation in a ring or field yields 0 when any element is used n times with the operation

Examples of CHARACTERISTIC

  1. <the ability to fashion tools and other characteristics that distinguish human beings from other animals>

First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC

1664

2characteristic

adjective

Definition of CHARACTERISTIC

: revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character
char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of CHARACTERISTIC

  1. He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.
  2. <the characteristic taste of licorice>

First Known Use of CHARACTERISTIC

1665

Synonym Discussion of CHARACTERISTIC

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.

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