characteristic meaning and definition

CHARACTERISTIC noun

Definition of characteristic (noun)

1. a prominent attribute or aspect of something
   • "the map showed roads and other features"; "generosity is one of his best characteristics"
   • synonyms: feature
2. a distinguishing quality
3. the integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
4. any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions
   • synonyms: device characteristic

CHARACTERISTIC adjective

Definition of characteristic (adjective)

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