characteristic
n. · adj.-
1 a typical feature (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea quality or feature that is typical of a particular person, place, or thing.
a distinguishing trait or quality that serves to identify or characterize an entity.
ExamplePatience is a characteristic that makes her a great teacher for young children.
ExampleThe most striking characteristic of the local architecture is the use of volcanic stone in the foundations of even the humblest dwellings.
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2 typical of someone (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatedescribing a quality that is very typical of a certain person or thing.
pertaining to or constituting a distinctive character; typical of a specific individual or group.
ExampleHe answered the phone with his characteristic enthusiasm and energy.
ExampleThe author writes with a characteristic blend of dark humour and social commentary that fans recognize instantly.
- untypical
- unusual
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3 logarithm part (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Maththe whole number part of a logarithm.
the integral part of a common logarithm, as distinguished from the mantissa.
ExampleIn the logarithm 2.4771, the number 2 is the characteristic.
ExampleStudents must learn to determine the characteristic by inspection before using tables to find the decimal mantissa of a common logarithm.
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4 lighthouse signal (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe specific pattern of light flashes that helps sailors identify a lighthouse.
the unique sequence of light and dark intervals used to identify a specific navigational aid.
ExampleThe lighthouse has a characteristic of two white flashes every ten seconds.
ExampleThe navigator consulted the light list to verify the characteristic of the beacon before attempting to enter the unfamiliar harbour at night.
From Ancient Greek χαρακτηριστικός (kharaktēristikós), from χαρακτηρίζω (kharaktērízō, “to designate by a characteristic mark”), from χαρακτήρ (kharaktḗr, “a mark, character”). By surface analysis, character + -istic.