characteristic

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

Related to CHARACTERISTIC

Synonyms: affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait

Related Words: badge, indication, sign; emblem, symbol, token; charm, grace; excellence, merit, virtue; eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk; individuality, singularity, uniqueness

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Rhymes with CHARACTERISTIC

anachronistic, antagonistic, behavioristic, cannibalistic, collectivistic, deterministic, expressionistic, extralinguistic, impressionistic, militaristic, metalinguistic, monopolistic, monotheistic, naturalistic, neologistic, opportunistic, paternalistic, polytheistic, propagandistic, psycholinguistic, reductionistic, relativistic, somnambulistic