v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Characterized p. pr. & vb. n. Characterizing. ] [ LL. characterizare, Gr. &unr_;: 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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 ] | 
