 |
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Characterize \Char"ac*ter*ize\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Characterized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Characterizing}.] [LL. characterizare, Gr. ?: cf. F. charact['e]riser.]
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.
5. (Chem.) to identify the structure or nature of; as, the antibiotic activity in the sample was characterized by HPLC, and proved to be erythromycin. [PJC]
Syn: To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.
 |
Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |