feature

¹fea·ture

noun \ˈfē-chər\

: an interesting or important part, quality, ability, etc.

: a part of the face (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth)

: a movie that is made to be shown in a theater for entertainment : a full-length movie

Full Definition of FEATURE

1

a :  the structure, form, or appearance especially of a person

b obsolete :  physical beauty

2

a :  the makeup or appearance of the face or its parts

b :  a part of the face :  lineament

3

a :  a prominent part or characteristic

b :  any of the properties (as voice or gender) that are characteristic of a grammatical element (as a phoneme or morpheme); especially :  one that is distinctive

4

:  a special attraction: as

a :  a featured motion picture

b :  a featured article, story, or department in a newspaper or magazine

c :  something offered to the public or advertised as particularly attractive <one of the car's most popular features>

— fea·ture·less \-ləs\ adjective

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Examples of FEATURE

1. This year's models include several new safety features.
2. This camera has several features that make it easy to use.
3. The car has some interesting new design features.
4. His plan combines the best features of the earlier proposals.
5. Her eyes are her best feature.
6. Tonight's feature is a new romantic comedy.
7. He starred in his first feature film a year ago.

Origin of FEATURE

Middle English feture, from Anglo-French, from Latin factura act of making, from factus, past participle of facere to make — more at do

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FEATURE

Synonyms

affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, characteristic, 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

Rhymes with FEATURE

bleacher, creature, leacher, preacher, reacher, screecher, teacher

²feature

verb

: to have or include (someone or something) as an important part

: to discuss or mention (something or someone) in a noticeable way : to give particular attention to (someone or something important)

fea·turedfea·tur·ing \ˈfēch-riŋ, ˈfē-chər-iŋ\

Full Definition of FEATURE

transitive verb

1

chiefly dialect :  to resemble in features

2

:  to picture or portray in the mind :  imagine

3

a :  to give special prominence to <the exhibit features local artists>

b :  to have as a characteristic or feature <a menu featuring many options>

intransitive verb

:  to play an important part

Examples of FEATURE

1. The building features a state-of-the-art security system.
2. The new menu features several low-fat entrees.
3. The show now features a new singer.
4. The evening news report featured the story of the murder.
5. The newspaper featured health care on its front page.

First Known Use of FEATURE

circa 1755

Related to FEATURE

Synonyms

accent, accentuate, emphasize, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, punctuate, stress

Antonyms

de-emphasize, play down

Related Words

focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight; advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize; overplay

Near Antonyms

tone (down), underemphasize, understate; belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

fea·ture

noun \ˈfē-chər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FEATURE

1

: the structure, form, or appearance especially of a person

2

a : the makeup or appearance of the face or its parts b : a part of the face