from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Characterize \Char"ac*ter*ize\, v. t. [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.
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European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian
faces are Characterized. --Arbuthnot.
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2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.] --Sir M. Hale.
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3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
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Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to
characterize King William. --Johnson.
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4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the
character of.
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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.
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