Characterize /(?)/

Char·ac·ter·ize

Characterize

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Characterized; p. pr. & vb. n. Characterizing

  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.
  2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.]
  3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
    Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William.
  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.
  5. to identify the structure or nature of; as, the antibiotic activity in the sample was characterized by HPLC, and proved to be erythromycin. (Chem.)