characteristic > define

noun

• A prominent attribute or aspect of something.
  • usage: "the map showed roads and other features"; "generosity is one of his best characteristics"
  • synonyms: feature
• A distinguishing quality.
• The integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2. 808 the characteristic is 2.
• Any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions.
  • synonyms: device characteristic

adjective

• Typical or distinctive.
  • usage: "heard my friend's characteristic laugh"; "red and gold are the characteristic colors of autumn"; "stripes characteristic of the zebra"

• (a.) Pertaining to or serving to constitute, the character; showing the character or distinctive qualities or traits, of a person or thing; peculiar; distinctive.
• (n.) The integral part (whether positive or negative) of a logarithm.
• (n.) A distinguishing trait, quality or property; an element of character; that which characterized.