adj. & n.
--adj. typical, distinctive (with characteristic expertise).
--n.
1. a characteristic feature or quality.
2 Math. the whole number or integral part of a logarithm.
Phrases and idioms:
characteristic curve a graph showing the relationship between two variable but interdependent quantities. characteristic radiation radiation the wavelengths of which are peculiar to the element which emits them.
Derivatives:
characteristically adv.
Etymology: F caract{eacute}ristique or med.L characterizare f. Gk kharakterizo