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feature

n. · v.
US //ˈfitʃɝ// UK //fˈiːtʃɐ// fea·ture
  1. 1 a characteristic (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

    a typical or important part of something.

    a distinctive attribute or aspect of something that defines its character.

    Example

    The most interesting feature of the house is the large garden.

    Example

    The most striking feature of the new legislative proposal is its focus on environmental sustainability over short-term economic gain.
  2. 2 parts of the face (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the parts of your face, such as your eyes, nose, and mouth.

    any of the distinct physical parts of the human face.

    Example

    Her best feature is her bright green eyes.

    Example

    The artist spent hours perfecting the subject's facial features, paying particular attention to the subtle lines around the mouth.
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  1. 3 software function (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a specific thing that a computer program or app can do.

    a specific capability or functional requirement of a software application.

    Example

    The latest update includes a new feature for editing photos.

    Example

    The development team prioritised the security features of the application to ensure user data remained encrypted during transit.
  2. 4 media article or film (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a special story in a newspaper or a full-length movie.

    a prominent or specialized article in a periodical, or a full-length motion picture.

    Example

    The Sunday paper has a special feature on healthy cooking.

    Example

    The magazine's cover feature provided an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical shifts occurring in Southeast Asia.
  3. 5 archaeological find (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Archaeology

    something found at an old site that cannot be moved, like a wall or a pit.

    a non-portable element of an archaeological site, such as a hearth, posthole, or wall.

    Example

    The team discovered a stone feature that looked like an ancient fireplace.

    Example

    Excavations revealed a complex drainage feature, suggesting the settlement had a sophisticated understanding of water management.
  4. 6 to include or star (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to include someone or something as an important part.

    to give prominence to or include as a main attraction.

    Example

    The new movie will feature several famous actors.

    Example

    The festival will feature a diverse range of international performers, highlighting the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region.
  5. 7 to appear in (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be a part of something.

    to have a place or role in a particular situation or event.

    Example

    Olive oil features heavily in most Mediterranean recipes.

    Example

    Economic concerns are likely to feature prominently in the upcoming election debates.
Origin

From Middle English feture, from Anglo-Norman feture, from Old French faiture, from Latin factūra, from Latin factus, from Latin faciō (“do, make”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- (“to do, put, place, set”). Doublet of facture.

Idioms1 entry

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