Entry Word: peculiar

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being out of the ordinary <a writer with a peculiar talent for capturing the qualities of everyday conversation> — see exceptional
2 different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion <a peculiar and catlike way of walking> — see odd 2
3 noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced <a peculiar response to a polite query about his health> — see unusual 1
4 of, relating to, or belonging to a single person <his peculiar way of talking> — see individual 1
5 serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group <the koala is peculiar to Australia> — see characteristic 1