characteristic

adj. typical; distinctive

n. distinguishing quality; trait, attribute

Characteristic has several meanings: characteristic function      Euler characteristiccharacteristic (algebra)   method of characteristics     Characteristic is also sometimes used as a piece of jargon in discussions of universals in metaphysics, often in the phrase 'distinguishing characteristics'. An I-V or current-voltage characteristic is the current in a circuit as a function of the applied voltage
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Noun
1. a prominent aspect of something; "the map showed roads and other features"; "generosity is one of his best characteristics"
(synonym) feature
(hypernym) property, attribute, dimension
(hyponym) sex characteristic, sex character
2. a distinguishing quality
(hypernym) quality
(hyponym) recommendation, passport
(part-holonym) nature
3. the integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
(hypernym) integer, whole number
4. any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions
(synonym) device characteristic
(hypernym) property
(classification) electronics
Adjective
1. typical or distinctive; "heard my friend's characteristic laugh"; "red and gold are the characteristic colors of autumn"; "stripes characteristic of the zebra"
(antonym) uncharacteristic, uncharacteristic of
(similar) diagnostic, symptomatic, symptomatic of(p)
(see-also) typical

(n.)
The integral part (whether positive or negative) of a logarithm.
  

(n.)
A distinguishing trait, quality, or property; an element of character; that which characterized.
  

(a.)
Pertaining to, or serving to constitute, the character; showing the character, or distinctive qualities or traits, of a person or thing; peculiar; distinctive.
  

The factors, elements or measures that define and differentiate a process, function, product, service or other entity.