characterize

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkarəktərʌɪz/
(also characterise)

verb

[with object]
  • 1describe the distinctive nature or features of: she characterized the period as the decade of revolution
  • 2(of a feature or quality) be typical or characteristic of: the disease is characterized by weakening of the immune system

Derivatives

characterization

Pronunciation: /-ˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

Origin:

late 16th century (in the sense 'engrave, inscribe'): from French caractériser or medieval Latin characterizare, from Greek kharaktērizein, from kharaktēr 'a stamping tool'