Wiktionary
n. A property held by all members of a class of object that is so distinctive that it is sufficient to determine membership in that class. A property that defines that which possesses it.
Usage examples of "defining characteristic".
Is an unseemly enthusiasm for the NEAs elimination the defining characteristic?
Is an unseemly enthusiasm for the NEA's elimination the defining characteristic?
Atropos had been the one to recognize opportu -- nity as a defining characteristic.
Atropos had been the one to recognize opportunity as a defining characteristic.
The defining characteristic of plutonium was the presence of 94 protons in its nucleus.
Language itself is a defining characteristic of mankind, as we shall see, but in this sense, one language is about as good as another.
The subordinate part became less the defining characteristic of my womanhood, something only skin-deep, superficial, an accidental by-product that existed mostly in manners, made things easier, and that nobody paid much attention to.
But then the uselessness of his passion rebounded against him, and he was forced to recite to himself as if he were reading the catechism of his illness, Futility is the defining characteristic of life.