Characteristic
(Char`ac*ter*is"tic), n.
1. A distinguishing trait, quality, or property; an element of character; that which characterized. Pope.
The characteristics of a true critic.
Johnson.
2. (Math.) The integral part (whether positive or negative) of a logarithm.
Characteristical
(Char`ac*ter*is"tic*al) a. Characteristic.
Characteristically
(Char`ac*ter*is"tic*al*ly), adv. In a characteristic manner; in a way that characterizes.
Characterization
(Char`ac*ter*i*za"tion) n. The act or process of characterizing.
Characterize
(Char"ac*ter*ize) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Characterized ; p. pr. & vb. n. Characterizing.]
[LL. characterizare, Gr. : cf. F. charactériser.]
1. To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features.
European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized.
Arbuthnot.
2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William.
Johnson.
4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.
The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries.
W. Irving.
Syn. — To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.
Characterless
(Char"ac*ter*less), a. Destitute of any distinguishing quality; without character or force.
Charactery
(Char"ac*ter*y) n.
1. The art or means of characterizing; a system of signs or characters; symbolism; distinctive mark.
Fairies use flowers for their charactery.
Shak.
2. That which is charactered; the meaning. [Obs.]
I will construe to thee
All the charactery of my sad brows.
Shak.
Charade
(Cha*rade") n. [F. charade, cf. Pr. charrada long chat, It ciarlare to chat, whence E. charlatan.]
A verbal or acted enigma based upon a word which has two or more significant syllables or parts, each
of which, as well as the word itself, is to be guessed from the descriptions or representations.
Charbocle
(Char"bo*cle) n. Carbuncle. [Written also Charboncle.] [Obs.] Chaucer.
Charbon
(Char"bon) n. [F., coal, charbon.]
1. (Far.) A small black spot or mark remaining in the cavity of the corner tooth of a horse after the
large spot or mark has become obliterated.
2. A very contagious and fatal disease of sheep, horses, and cattle. See Maligmant pustule.
