GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Characterize (?), 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.
[1913 Webster]
European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized. Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]
2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
[1913 Webster]
3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
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characterized adj. stated precisely; -- of the meaning of words or concepts.
[WordNet 1.5]